Written by http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8372604.stm
First off, I would like to say that I am very sorry for this guy’s family and friends and don’t mean to cause any offense by what I am about to say.
Personally, I think to partake in any activity on a swollen river is a highly selfish act. While it may make the sport more adrenaline fulled and fun, the fact that it has an increased danger means you may well put someone else’s life in danger if you get into trouble.
If you end up needing to be rescued in a situation like this, a team of rescuers will be sent out to help those in trouble, many of whom will be volunteers. Everytime these resucers go out to help someone they put their own lives at risk.
Someone who regularly partakes in river based activities should understand the dangers posed by a river at normal water levels, let alone at flood levels, and thus should know to stay away from a river in flood, and not endanger the lives of the rescuers who will inevitably need to be called out.