members thoughts on rafting trip in light of sad tragedy at

[johnfrombangor]

hi, i wanted to ask our whitewater community with help understanding this terrible tragedy at the forks: a 52 year old died at the scene, chaperoning his son and other scouts. lexington.wickedlocal.com/article/20160516/NEWS/160516910 i ask, because Bangor parents just got an email yesterday to sign kids up for Parks and Rec's Rafting/Camping trip to the forks, for grades 7-10.
Tragedies like this makes me question everything and doubt everything: but what do you guys think when you hear a story like this? is it just a terrible statistical accident? or "flash drowning", or gulping down 40 degree water? would you guys let your kids do the trip (in july)? so sad.

[Ray Wirth]

Substance abuse, depression, and obesity claim many lives each year. Outdoor sports, including "adrenaline sports," can serve as a healthy alternative to those rampant diseases. I am far from an expert on rafting and its risks, but tragic deaths such as this one at least do seem relatively uncommon.

[stewart]

I've been rafting since 1987and believe it is a safe sport. I don't know the details of this accident but feel that driving to the Forks or Millinocket is far more dangerous than the rafting itself. It's sad when something like this happens but if you look at the industry in general it is overall a safe and fun outing.