It’s sad to learn about yet another tragedy in water sports. But something about what the victim’s sister had said in an interview bugged me. I’m not sure if she had said so out of grief; grief might influence a person’s perspective. During the interview, she was questioning the authorities for not making life jackets mandatory for water sports, it could have prevented the tragedy from happening. It really made me wonder.

For one, do we really need rules and regulations in every aspect of our life in order to survive? To what extent should the authorities implement regulations to protect the lives of the people? Are we so protected by the regulations that we are unable to use our common sense in making judgments? I’m sure the victim knew his limitations in swimming, shouldn’t he have taken precautions? It was his own life after all.

The law prohibits drunk driving, but there are still lots of people around who drive after drinking. Some drivers can still drive safely when the blood alcohol content is above usual levels and obviously, some can’t. It’s a matter of good judgment and knowing your own limits.  The loss of lives cannot be prevented unless people care about themselves and ensure their own safety.

Sure enough, this fatal incident could have been prevented but really, who should take up responsibility? Should it be the authorities for not making life jackets mandatory in water sports? The sailing team for not insisting that weak swimmers put on life jackets and allowing them to join the team? The victim for not protecting himself? Sports should be a enjoyment for those who love it and it can only be so if sportspeople take good care of themselves while indulging in it.

Peace to the grieving.