Opinion Volume 79 Issue No. 35 TheReview Wednesday, August 28, 19 XI Ferry jumpers: Cosily trend developing Leaping into the cold waters of Georgia Strait from the challenging height of a B.C. Ferry is becoming more popular lately. Several times over the summer the large car-carriers have been forced to tum around, lower the life rafts and comb black waters looking for a missing person. The Rescue Coordination Centre is called in, RCMP patrol boats are notified and reports are broadcast on VHF radio to other ocean-going vessels. Invariably, a lengthy search is made with the help of Labrador helicopter from CFB Comox, with assistance from other aircraft in the area, including Sea Kings equipped with Billy Pugh nets from the helicopter squadron at Pat Bay. Last Thursday the scene was repeated again after a 47-year-old Bumaby man leaped from the Queen of Saanich as it neared the Swartz Bay terminal. Luckily, a pleasure boat piloted by vacationing Americans found the man in the water, pulled him aboard and dropped him off to a waiting ambulance at the Dolphin Road dock at the tip of the Peninsula. Usually, the jumper doesn’t survive, resulting in a longer, more extensive, search. Frequently, the search is abandoned after resources are tapped beyond the limits. The jumper is presumed dead and an investigation ensues to determine identity, interview possible witnesses and search for clues. We can’t question the intelligence quota held by most jumpers. But because the frequency of these occurrences is increasing, some measures should be taken. The province’s ferry fleet must make it more difficult for potential jumpers to achieve their goal. We’re not suggesting that chicken wire be installed along the sides of the outside decks. But, currently, no real deterrent exists. Several options could be considered. The Canadian Ski Patrol adopted a policy years ago to charge a portion of their cost to persons who knowingly disobeyed signs, entered a restricted area and became lost or stranded. Ferry jumpers are similar, in that they knowingly climb the rail for the plummet. However, there is no warning sign suggesting that it is a criminal offense to climb a ferry rail in an attempt to disembark early. Signs should be installed. Employees should be encouraged to watch for persons of suspect mental capacity on the outside deck with a mind to offering the required inspiration to ride out the balance of the joumey inside the vessel. Someone with a real determination to jump may not be stopped. But the current situation, where there is no recognition of the problem and no attempts to limit it, iS unacceptable. The problem must be addressed. If one precaution saves a life, and prevents another massive search effort with its inherent high cost and little chance of success, it will be worthwhile. oak \ \ oS \ IF 11'S ANY CONSOLATION, THERE MUST BE LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO MISS GETTING BILLS, FLYERS, AND “OCCUPANT” MAIL.. ay AN Bf A Tes eS Letters to the editor on issues of concern to our readers are welcomed by The Review. All letters must be addressed to the editor and bear an original signature of the letter writer. Letters must contain the letter writer’s street address and telephone number for verification purposes and not for publication. Letters should not exceed 300 words in length and may be edited for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. TheReview Serving The Saanich Peninsula Since 1912 9726 First Street Sidney, B.C. V8L 3C9 or PO. Box 2070 Sidney, B.C. V8L 3S5 Second Class Mail Registration #0128 656-1151 Publisher: Ken Chyz Editor: Glenn Werkman AN ISLAND PUBLISHERS NEWSPAPER jj goes Ga. 2p. @cNna & an, reas assOSes oS NEWSPAPERS CO) VOC VR) positon _ VER FIED EIREGLAT:ON Staff morale hit by hospital cuts Editor: Your article of July 17 on the subject of staff reductions at Saa- nich Peninsula Hospital stated that...“‘one housekeeper will be laid off...’ (Staff cut but beds saved, The Review). That isn’t necessarily so — in fact 14 employees of that depart- ment have had their hours of work reduced. Whether anyone will lose a job is not yet known. What is known however is that the quality and quantity of service provided by the housekeeping department will be reduced in direct proportion to the reduction in hours of work for the unfortun- ate employees involved. Patients, residents and family will in time notice the change in quality, as will client departments within the hospital. All of this is very demoralizing to the employees affected. It was just a few years ago that they went through the same experience. Nev- ertheless, by dedication and hard work, they have kept the facility clean, safe and attractive. This can’t go on if they are continually going to be targeted for reductions. C.B. MacMillan Brentwood Bay. Help not hinder work af new port Editor: On reading the letter from Kim Pullen in the recent issue of The Review I was saddened to think that so much rancor and bickering could be associated with anything so beautiful and exciting as our new Port Sidney (You get what you pay for at Port Sidney Marina, Aug. 14). Taking advantage of this past weekends’ perfect weather, I strol- led around this colorful project which was simply teeming with activity, There were lots of boaters, some soaking up the sunshine — others bustling around involved in their many nautical chores. There were families picnicking or strolling hand in hand with eager-faced children bursting with curiosity and chatter. Then there were the elderly — sitting under the shade of umbrel- las sipping tea or coffee and qui- etly enjoying the whole scene. And, there were elderly gentlemen sitting on benches, chatting about the way things used to be but gazing with pride and wonder at the unbelievable change that has taken place. I also noticed many of the ‘visitors returning to the Port loaded with bags of groceries after enjoying a walk along Beacon Avenue during which, I am sure, many of their dollars found their way into other stores along the route. All the people that I chatted with on that gorgeous afternoon thought the project was “terrific,” “super” and “I love it!” With feedback like this someone has to be doing something night. I believe that Kim Pullen deserves a hearty pat on the back for all his work so far and for his obvious patience towards his adversaries. He had an idea, and the many delighted visitors — yes, even locals and those from Victoria — prove that it works. Let’s help — not hinder — Mr. Pullen in completing this worth- while project. Peter J. Smith Sidney The sad state of the animal Act Editor: I witnessed an act of cruelty to an animal the other day which prompted me to appeal to the public for support. A derelict, whom I have seen some months previously, crossed the street with his dog in tow. This dog had hair loss to two-thirds of his body (I suspect burned), was emaciated and barely strong enough to walk, and was tethered to a heavy linked chain. The dog’s condition has grossly deteriorated since I first saw and fed him, and informed the SPCA. Upon questioning the SPCA as to why this animal has not been apprehended (other people have reported this animal), I was informed their hands were tied and little could be done. The provincial and federal Pre- vention of Cruelty to Animals Act provides little support and imposes impossible circumstances for apprehension on sight of obvi- ously neglected animals, Animals are considered “property” by law. In fact, willful neglect must be proven and then judges are mostly unwilling to convict as it carries a criminal penalty. In the unlikely event of a conviction of willful neglect or cruelty, one is forbidden to own an animal for up to two years only and could repeat the offense. I concluded the only feasible option was to steal the dog and — surrender him to the SPCA. The SPCA has been trying for years to have the Act amended but Ss has met with little success. I urge the public to support their local SPCA in its efforts to have amend- ments to the Act passed. The SPCA is a non-profit society funded entirely by donation. Most importantly, if one is feel- ing charitable, food for themselves or their pet should be extended to our street people rather than money. Sympathy money elicited from the public by a willfully neglected animal only further supports cruel treatment of these unfortunate creatures. Tracy Mitchell Victoria Continued on Page A8