Rocky wrote on Jun 2
nd, 2010 at 1:59pm:
I have jumped from 10-15 feet into the lake (in the past), but the rules now is, never, ever, jump like that, because even with clear water there could be a rock that is closer than it looks. Not my rule, I’d rather take a small risk, but, I go along with the others and their concerns about safety.
There are three factors to risk to consider, but many people only consider one of them.
The first factor is the likelihood of failure (in this case, hitting that rock). Almost everyone considers this when assessing risk.
The second factor is the consequences of failure (in this case, the severity of damage which might result from hitting that rock). Certainly, not everyone gives this it's due consideration.
The third factor is the possibility that we may erroneously estimate either the likelihood of failure and/or the potential severity of the consequences of failure. Very few consider this element of risk.
I used to be a cliff-jumper when the opportunity presented itself. In recent years I've decided the risk/reward tradeoff is no longer acceptable to me.