What were they thinking?

Let’s start by making this very clear. Being eaten by an alligator is not funny and I am in no way trying to minimize the serious nature of this type of unfortunate demise. On the other hand, what were they thinking?

I am talking here about a recent report out of Florida which warned that deaths caused by alligator attacks were on the rise. It appears that there were three different incidents in less than two weeks in the sunshine state. The first one involved a woman who was walking her dog along a stretch of water known to contain a number of the very large reptiles when one dashed out of the water and grabbed the puppy. In a valiant, all be it somewhat foolish move, she attempted to rescue her pet. The alligator, not caring where supper came from, turned on the woman and dragged her to her death.

A couple of things here. Why would she stroll beside a known alligator habitat in the first place pulling along what can only be described as “bait” and not expect something bad to happen? Secondly, why did she think for a moment that she could scare off a seven foot, armoured predator as if it was just another bad tempered canine?

In the second incident a young woman went swimming at night in an area that, once again, was known to be the home of numerous gators. Yes, it was in a roped off area and yes, it was often used by others to swim in but the last time I checked alligators couldn’t read the keep out sign.

As it was, the young lady ended up another casualty.

This casual disregard of what is surely imminent danger is not confined to the swamps and bayous of Florida. Along the New England coast this summer signs have been popping up on beaches warning swimmers of shark sightings in waters that don’t generally see this sort of marine life. The infamous Great White, taking advantage of global warming and the increase in the temperatures of coastal waters, has been feeding as far north as the Bay of Fundy. A recent news cast showed a billboard-sized sign saying “Warning. Shark Sightings In This Area” and yet directly behind the sign could be seen hundreds of people frolicking in the waves.

A number of years ago I was enjoying a cruise on the Pacific Ocean courtesy of one of Her Majesty’s many ships when the Captain ordered the vessel to stop. The bosun piped “bathe ship,” originally an order for everyone to wash up but today indicating everyone could go for a swim. The water was dead calm without a ripple on the surface and the though of swimming in the middle of the ocean was alluring so I retrieved my swim trunks and prepared to join most of the crew happily splashing about.

Just before I jumped however, I happened to glance forward and noticed a sailor standing on the bridge wing holding a semi-automatic rifle. I looked to the stern, and to my surprise spotted another sailor similarly armed. When I enquired as to why they were there, the sailor next to me cheerfully replied, “Oh that’s in case of sharks.” Enough said. I returned my trunks to my locker and became an instant spectator.

Now, the likelihood of a shark attack was slim but the fact that the officer in charge deemed the posting of armed lifeguards to be a good idea said it all. Added to this was the fact that the marksmanship of the average sailor ensured that in the event of a shark attack several swimmers would likely die before anyone actually managed to hit the predator.

And so it goes. Every year at least one person is swept away at scenic Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia despite being repeatedly told, when it is windy don’t go out on the rocks. Swimmers all along Florida’s Atlantic coast are warned with red flags and giant signs when stormy weather causes a strong undertow and still, two or three end up in Africa.

Don’t feed the lions, stay behind the fence, no diving in the shallow end, no passing on the curve, all simple common sense rules but to no avail.

As I said at the outset. What were they thinking? DEAR EDITOR:

Iread with great interest the new guide of residential heritage renovations. It's nice to see the MRC is paying attention to the way these old houses are maintained. What I am wondering is if this guide will be available in English. There is a large number of English-speaking residents who would love to be able to use the guide. In the 5 plus years I have been a councilor in Waterville I have seen a alarming drop in municipal services available to the English population. It would be nice if the MRC does put this out in both languages. DEAR EDITOR:

SKARL HUNTING WATERVILLE TOWN COUNCILOR

eeing that the provincial election campaign has been called and voting day set for Oct.1, I thought that I should express my concerns.

Perhaps some might look upon this letter as the ravings of an old man, but if my words make a difference in the rhetoric that is spewing from the mouths of those who are running for the leadership of our province, I sincerely hope that voters will take everything into consideration before casting their ballot.

According to the hopeful candidates who are running to head this province, there is nothing that the present administration has done that has been beneficial to our province or its citizens.

What a statement to make.

Be careful what you wish for. Remember what happened to our neighbours to the south. They were sold a bill of goods, which has raised nothing but havoc for the past 20 months.

Remember that the candidates running have all at one time or another been involved in the separatist movement and that the zebra or a skunk never changes its colours.

SINCERELY, BRUCE D. ALLANSON, CONCERNED VOTER SHERBROOKE