Re: Horrific accident on the Ashton Canal


".mother" <nospam@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:omj264dkjh8dse3tjs01csd6f54cm1adpb@xxxxxxxxxx
On Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:39:37 +0100, Dave Mayall
<david.mayall@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I suspect that the outcome of the investigation will be that BW is
obliged to modify all swing bridges to the design of locking that
retains the key until the bridge is locked shut.

You know, I can't ever remember meeting another boater who has
admitted to having left a key in a lock, waterpoint or bridge, however
I've found plenty over the years, in locks, waterpoints and bridges
(two recently in the lock on Sheffield Canal Basin swingbridge, which
isn't what anyone'd call 'mainline').

While there's great merit in key retaining mechanisms, they certainly
aren't foolproof.

However, and at the risk of being condemned as heartless, the issue
here seems to be simple.

I condemn you - you're heartless!

[..]
I have got to the point where I don't have a huge store of sympathy
for people who maim themselves through their own stupidity.

Generally speaking I'd support the Darwin Awards most of the time,
however kids are kids. It's their job to piss around, on canals as
much as anywhere else. That's how they learn (hopefully not always in
this way) the boundaries. Kids rarely have the fear we grow into with
age, and apart from anything else, if my unforgettory serves me
correctly, I miself prolly did plenty stupid things when that age,
including swimming in canals, climbing trees (and derelict buildings),
exploring tunnels - all sorts which could - when I think back, have
led to all sorts of nastiness.

I defy ANYONE to claim they haven't done similar at some point in
their life - I just wish I was still fit enough to climb trees instead
of pre-roped 'arthritis friendly' climbing walls :-(


The point I would make is that the bridge should not have been designed
so that when opened, it could crush the legs of someone who was
innocently dangling their feet over the edge of a wall, so even if the
kids were misbehaving, (as they will do,), it should not result in such
an horrific accident.


.

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