Rescue Boat Liability?

However, I tend to think his reaction, to claim against somebody else is becoming driven into people in the UK by the frequent and continuous TV "no win no fee" type advertising which seems to suggest that when something happens to you you claim against somebody else for money. With such a barrage of "claim, claim, claim" publicity going on I am not surprised by the original question. It is part of the price the UK is paying for becoming Americanised.

In fact it is more than just UK becoming Americanised. Research has shown that younger generations are being over protected from risk. Children are no longer being allowed out to learn by mistakes. When I was a kid used to spend ages falling off things and getting hurt and apparently this is a critical part of the learning process. These days "health and safety", etc. is stopping children from such activities, school trips are often too great a risk and anything minor "goes wrong" and the teacher is subject to enquiries, etc. The result is that they have a greater need to feel "looked-after" (the nanny state being sought). Part of this is accidents not being "your fault" and claiming against them i.e. there is always a safety net for you. (Not for one moment suggesting Jamie is in this category but talking generally here).

Activities like sailing are really fantastic as they encourage learning by experience, getting it wrong, "falling over" and learning to stand on one's own two feet - and actually in a fairly protected environment. Get everybody out sailing.

Ian

I think poor Jamie wishes he never asked now

Don't worry Jamie I'd still fish you out (even just for the entertain value in the bar later)

Your sins are forgiven my son.  Wear a hairy rash vest next time you sail and give yourself a good whipping with your carbon tiller extension and we can all move on.