Real-Life Math -- Solution
Here's what you could tell your client:
I understand
that you feel fine, Ling. However, please let me explain why it's important
that we get you warmed up.
Part of my training as a guide is learning
the symptoms of hypothermia. It's a cool day and you don't have a lot of body
fat to help keep warm. I'm concerned because your skin is looking a bit grey
and your lips are blue. These are both symptoms of hypothermia.
I must
insist we go ashore. It's part of my job, the most important part, to protect
your safety. We can make sure you're fine by starting a fire to warm you up.
People
often have to stay in a hospital for hypothermia, and they can even die of
it. I'm sure you understand we can't take that chance.
River
rafting guides need good communication skills to make sure their clients have
a safe and fun trip.
At the start of each trip, they give 10-minute
safety briefings to their clients. The briefing covers many important topics.
It familiarizes them with the boat and safety equipment, such as life jackets
and helmet. It also covers how to paddle, where to sit and what
to do if the raft tips over.
For everyone's safety, you need to be
able to communicate clearly and answer questions. You also need to make sure
people have fun.
"You have to be somewhat of an entertainer and a communicator
[and a] stand-up comedian," says river rafting guide Gord Huggard. "It helps
a lot if you're able to get to know them and converse."
Usually, a
guide will travel in a group of two or more rafts. This means you don't just
communicate with people in your own raft.
"It's also important that
you communicate with your team," Huggard says. "We use a lot of hand signals
and whatnot on the river -- I'd say it's pretty important."