Tragically two young women died on Cape Cod last Sunday paddling off Cape Cod.

This feels very personal to me as I was in the same area with freinds last weekend
when this event happened.

That Sunday there was a storm centered on Nantucket with heavy winds and rain.
I was with a large group and I and my wife elected to pass on paddling that day because
I monitored my weather radio which warned of a small craft advisory with heavy rains.

The rest of my group when on out with the idea of paddling on the sheltered waters of
Pleasent Bay, north of Chatham. I later found out my group decided not to paddle.

From what I've learned the two young women paddled out from Harwichport in Keewees.
Why they thought this was a good idea is a mystery.

They started out with two strikes against them. First, they when out in storm conditions, and
second they paddled out into unprotected waters.

These two strikes indicate their third strike. They didn't understand the danger.

This tragic event only reinforces my determination to butt-in and give advise to people
I don't know, who may not seek my advise, to err on the side of caution.

I'd rather someone think me a jerk, and think twice about what they are doing.

Novices please take heed. Have fear and respect for open waters and ever changing weather conditions.

Please, don't be afraid to ask friends or strangers if they have considered the dangers you see and respect.

Once we leave the shore we can only rely on our best judgement and the help/advise of other paddlers.

This is so sad. I may have passed them on the road.

All the best,
Rob Macks