I have laughed at guys jumping out of the water when a fin pops of of the water and everybody pulls their feet and hands in.
I have been laughed at in turn.
Perhaps its just a sick joke that us water-men share.
What no one has considered so far is that despite the danger… Those Native Californians put their own lives at risk and went to the aid of that man.
And let me add… Almost every time there is a shark bite rescue it was made by a civilian. Not a professional. As the civilian is always the first to the scene.
Surfing is a sport that transcends all lines (yes I realize he was a swimmer but I am using surfing as the sample set). Poor, rich, educated or not, and ethnic, and is a good sample set of all Californians. Never once have I seen people swim away from the danger of someone in need. Every single time I have seen someone hurt, risk or not, and with no connection to the injured, have been quick to the aid of that person.
So I reject the idea that Native California are uncaring. In fact I would say that we are above the norm in terms of a caring society. I can say that having literally lived all over this country.
Simple fact is every time you get into the water there is a risk factor associated with it. Whether or not the fisherman added to that risk is irrelevant. Period.
Part of the reason I stay here in CA is for the culture and the people.
