Dear editor,
I am writing in response to the front page headline, Calls for Stotan Falls safety measures (Aug. 21 Record).
I have been privileged enough to grow up in the Comox Valley and I am now raising my own family here. It is one of many swimming spots that offer a reprieve on a hot day. Locations like these are great in large part because they are not maintained, and people actually get to escape to nature.
But, people being more and more removed from nature forget how dangerous it is. We were taught the dangers of the elements from a young age and it is everyone’s responsibility to be mindful of those dangers before choosing to take a risk.
And yet we all take risks, and accidents happen. Thankfully the folks rescued in July survived, but we cannot pretend a sign warning of dangers would have prevented their misfortunes. When an accident happens people often look for blame and fault, but hindsight cannot reverse what already happened.
I hope that Tuesday’s article serves as a reminder to all that, fast moving or not, water is always a danger.
Daniel Scherr
Courtenay