No, not responsible. Still a shitty human being, though.

I think it would set a dangerous precedent to judge what someone could have done to help, as someone might freeze under pressure, be uncertain how to help, be afraid of making the situation worse, etc.

I wouldn't recommend not saving a drowning person unless you have a flotation device. It is very dangerous to try to save a drowning victim, and sometimes two people drown as a result. I would try to stop someone from bleeding to death, but other than that, I really don't have many life saving skills. That being said I would do what ever I thought I could do to help.

yep, it violates the good Samaritan law, I think. Also it indicates a coward. I have leaped into surging rivers twice to save drowning women and under the ice once to save a dog. It is an instinct which some have and some do not. The one time there were several onlookers. I pushed through them and dove in the river. Maybe it's the way one is brought up?

I think it's pretty circumstantial. I think most people would agree it's the right thing to do.

No. You have an absolute right to be a cunt - and while you are responsible for the consequenses of your actions, passivity is not an action. It is a LACK of action.

And what if you tried to help and what you did (because you don't have any medical training) killed them? Should you be held responsible since you didn't mean to kill them?

In your scenario I would not. I can swim, but not very well.

I would at least call 911. I certainly wouldn't be one of those idiots taking pictures/video to put on facebook.

That dilemma always runs afoul of US laws. I was living in Ft. Lauderdale when a traffic light turned red. A vehicle was stuck on the railroad tracks that is parallel to Hwy. 1. When the railroad lights began to flash, the driver, I believe it was a younger woman, honked and motioned both of the drivers in front and back of her to move so she could get off the tracks. Neither moved and the woman, trying yo save her car, was killed. The investigation discovered the car in front, first in line for the light, had room to move as did the car behind, although not as much room as the car in front. Each driver claimed they didn't have to move, and they were correct. There was no law, and neither driver was charged.

Wasn't this the plot of the last Seinfeld?

I know that in that situation, I would do my best to help out. IDK about holding others responsible. They know their situation and I don't.

Personally, I have rescued 3 people from drowning in my life. I cannot judge whether another person would be a good enough swimmer to do that without getting themselves killed in the process.

It's situation to situation. I stepped between two of my nephews (during a very heated argument) and got thrown into a wall. One was 5 ft 5 in the other 6 ft 3 in. - However a child was involved and the other was a full grown person. - If two adults are gong at - it unless you have some awesome training - don't do it. - Same with drowning - if you are untrained or a lousy swimmer - you're just adding to the death count. - Yes if you CAN help do. - But if you are going to get yourself killed - don't. - Well there are some things I'd still do even if it meant I would end up dead. ,.. Conflicted here. lol

In your example, if you don’t know how to RESCUE someone drowning, and you try? You’d likely die.

You also never know with blood, illness, health or wellbeing. You don’t know if the passing Samaritan is fit, is rushing to a dying kinsmen or has kids in the car. You’re a dick if you have a phone and don’t call 911 unless someone is actively doing so, buteven that is psychology where people divert, so as the type who’s a first responder, it doesn’t offend me when others don’t. But if your ass has something that could make me, a Good Samaritan, have an easier go at helping (and know that you do)— and you’re sticking around but NOT getting that stuff? You’re totally a jerk then.

I saw a guy get hit by a car when he took his bike on a turn without checking left that second time. I was walking my dog. Suffice to say, severe blow to head, bleeding— some folks were telling him to get up (pro tip: DON’T) and a cop was diverting traffic but didn’t even come close to the guy. I was on the phone with 911, checking a pulse, trying to talk to an unresponsive to keep still and help’s coming— stranger to me, but he’s bleeding... the person who pissed me off then was the cop. Not the bystanders, but the jackass who sees a civilian going above and beyond while keeping her dog AWAY from the bleeding guy and they don’t pull the nitrile gloves from their kit in their trunk. Fucking ass.

As the laws stand now - they would not be held responsible. Not everyone is trained to do anything , and might actually cause more harm than good by trying to "help". And certainly not everyone is willing or able to ... say... pull someone from a burning car, or save someone from drowning etc.

That said, I would like to think that they would stay at the scene of a dangerous event, to at least call 911, or help in any way they are able - even if it's just to talk to someone in distress, or hold their hand !

What shitty finale for Seinfeld.

Anyways: it's ridiculous to think a court should waste resources equivalent to which is needed to convict a criminal to punish someone who was probably defenseless or scared of the situation. Please. We have better things to do.

There are too many variables. I think most people would try to help someone in danger, but not if it would place themselves in danger. For instance going into a burning building to save someone.

No. If they are not trained professionals they could be risking themselves which adds a patient to be taken care of. If a trained professional doesn't it would depend on the circumstances

In July of this year a group of Florida teenagers taunted a drowning man while filming his death .Instead of calling for help or trying to assist the man they could be heard laughing .The state of Florida does not have a law where a citizen is required to render aid or even call for help. There are probably other States which lack laws that can save people’s lives

no way. they may however regret not helping for the rest of their lives

Being able to swim and saving a drowning person are miles apart. But you could take other action. Calling for help enlisting others. I knew a cop who died trying to rescue 2 people in an overturned canoe. Life guards have this training, not most others

If you do not have certifications or a duty to assist one may make oneself legally liable. Tragically some that have sought to help individuals in distress have been sued successfully. I have not heard of it occurring with the swimmers example. Saying this, I know that if I thought I could help someone I would.

If the bystander knows that person is dying, and knows that by picking up a phone and dialling 911 (or 999 for the brits) would be the only way to help the person, then yes I think they should

I really don't know. you could see someone dangerous driving fast and dangerously and you do a pit manoeuvre like the police do and get busted yourself or see someone robbing someone else using a gun and pull your gun out and shoot them and get busted. morally unless you really fucking hate them, of course, you should help. after all, calling the police or fire brigade is doing the right thing but it doesn't mean it can save them.

No, they shouldn't be held responsible.
The reality is that if someone is dying, chances are they may do more harm than good if they're not a trained medical professional.

At the very least, they should call emergency services.

Will the punishment for "not doing anything" equal to "actually having done it"? E.g. will the punishment for allowing an assault/rape/murder to happen equal the punishment for actually committing assault/rape/murder. No. I really don't think it should be.

But if the person does nothing when they could have helped (even if only to call others for help), it's "on that person". I think anyone with that irresponsibility and/or apathy have other things in their lives that are not "going for them".

I can accept that some consequence for "not doing anything" is applicable - in a case-by-case basis.

This is something I have learned in real life situations: The answer is: no. Just cuz you think you can help someone, does not mean you are capable. Swimmers that attempt to help a drowning person tend to drown as well. They will fight you trying not to go down, killing you both. If you don't know how to treat for shock, not move somebody, proper CPR, etc., you aren't gonna do any good.