There were times this summer when I was shocked to find paddlers that had no clue how to be rescued and were unable or unwilling to follow rescue instructions... seriously

: I have to disagree on a few points. Many paddles are the same and
: fairly mild and would carry the the same fairly mild Level 2-3
: rating. There are also a fair number of paddles
: ("official" and otherwise) that take place in Fishers
: Island Sound and points East that have the potential for more
: difficult conditions and situations such as surf landings,
: strong currents, rock gardens, big swells etc. They should be
: rated differently. These paddles exist as both Club and
: "pickup" trips, not choosing to go on them doesn't
: make them not exist. As far as the "deep water rescue"
: goes, I think the idea is for participants to have some
: familiarity with helping someone or being helped themselves,
: back in their boat. It perhaps, could be worded better.