People doing dangerous sporting activities likescuba-diving and bungee-jumping should be responsible for their own safety. Rescue workers should not risk their lives to save people doing those sports. Do you agree ordisagree?

There has been a massive growth in participation in potentially life-threatening recreational activities

such

as base-jumping and rock- climbing. Each year, members of the emergency services have to put themselves in danger to save the lives of extreme sports enthusiasts who have had accidents. Whilst some find

this

state of affairs unacceptable, I feel societies have a duty to look after even those who

willfully

endanger their own lives. The

first

point worth making is that risk-taking and experiencing danger ought to be encouraged. In order to become mature and well- balanced, we need to face a range of challenging situations and threats.

Cavers

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Covers

and divers probably would not dare to attempt these activities if there were no chance of them being rescued. My cousin- a hang-glider- would undoubtedly stay at home if he thought that nobody would look for him after a crash. It should

also

be mentioned that those who help injured or stranded sportsmen and sportswomen benefit too. Volunteers, members of the armed forces and professional rescuers find saving

lives both

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lives, both

stimulating and deeply rewarding. These individuals feel good about themselves, knowing that they are making a valuable contribution.

Finally

, I would argue that a humane society should not abandon those in need. Going to the aid of individuals who are seriously hurt- even when they are responsible for their plight- is morally right. Enlightened cultures do

this

already: smokers who develop lung cancer are treated; careless drivers injured in motor vehicle accidents are given medical support; and those living in poverty

receive

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receiving

financial aid from the state. In conclusion, I strongly believe that we have an obligation to help anyone in peril, regardless of the circumstances. I appreciate that adopting

this

strategy could lead to others being put at

risk but

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risk, but

, on balance, it is definitely the right thing to do. I wish all governments would subscribe to

this

enlightened and forward-thinking approach.