Not one among us has not been a Runner-Up for a "Darwin Award" on more than one occasion, spit back out into the mainstream of the living in large part by sheer luck. Having an opportunity to learn an important life lesson first hand and live to benefit from the learning, is a great gift from nature. The next best way to learn how to stay alive is through affiliation - exposing yourself to the group and its rules and recommendations. Groups like ConnYak, TNP, and basics of kayaking courses. I have been struck over the years in reading accounts of paddler deaths how often the victim appeared to be a lone ranger doing his or her own thing. It amazes me how readily folks internalize use of safety gear and sound practices once directly exposed to them through the practice and preaching of the larger group. The unaffiliated lone paddler falls prey to the Law of Continuing Expectations: it worked OK the first few times I did it this way and it will always work like this for me. So, I am in favor of the speaking up option - respectfully urging the paddler to join the larger community of saner practices. Likely you will not hear, " Wow, I have been a complete fool - thanks so much for paddling over and setting me straight!" No. Most times you'll get some mild blow back and some reasons why ordinary precautions don't apply to them or their practices. BUT, the old way will be disrupted and seeds of change planted. I think Dave did just the right thing. Accompanying the paddler to safety underscored his concern for their situation way more than some scolding might have. Passing on info about groups of paddlers to learn from made the encounter less like a traffic stop and more like an invitation. Good to have this discussion. We each might have an MO on how to proceed tactfully in similar situations. The club clearly embraces a larger role in promoting paddling safety on our waters beyond the membership. One on one on the water is just another variation on that theme.