Accident at casino point 9/23/12

[EastEndDiver]

This is the second death on the West Coast this year (that I know about) that involved a rapid ascent from an AOW deep dive. I really think we may be teaching this too early!

Or the standards for OW are so low that AOW is just an extension to teach basic skills which were not learned in OW,my opinion is that it should NOT be called advanced .

 

[davidbaraff]

I have been in an AOW class where I can say with utter certainty, some of the people there shouldn't have been there. (Obviously, there's some difference of opinion on this as the instructor let them do it, but I would have said they needed a bunch more dives before doing AOW). Because now these "graduates" think they are AOW capable; whereas I wouldn't trust them enough to go diving with them, period.

[He said from his lofty perspective of 150 dives, compared with an instructor who I'm sure has like 2000+ dives. But that's what I think.]

 

[openmindOW]

DM reported that the diver began an extremely rapid ascent and was unable to be slowed, eventually pulling himself hand over hand on the chain they were down via. Diver lost consciousness at ~20ft and was in full arrest by the surface.

H110Hawk, thank you for your contribution to the Thread.

I am sorry that you witnessed part of the aftermath. That must have been upsetting for you, especially in light fo the fact that you were doing your OW dives. Please don't let this incident scare you away from divng.


Does anyone know how old the AOW diver was?

Where is Casino Point?

What is the water temperature?

Does anyone know if there will be an autopsy?

 

[MMarkley]

I saw the coast guard pull him out. When they took him to the rescue dock I heard on the radio he was in full cardiac arrest. I got in the water shortly after that so I'm not sure if the helicopter came. They were doing CPR last I saw.

 

[peterbj7]

Just because you can take an AOW student to 100 feet doesn't mean you should.

I know what you mean and I have sympathy with the view, but I actually don't agree with it. An AOW student will emerge from the class with a card saying he's fit and tested to 100ft. If he can't/shouldn't go that deep yet then he shouldn't be given the card. I know people who conduct the "deep" dive of the AOW course at 65ft, just as I know some who conduct the entire OW course without even going as deep as 30ft. I think this is wrong. I've never permitted it in my shop, but I know that down here both are commonplace.

 

[aichtwooh]

CPR was also the last thing I saw. I hope he pulled through it somehow.
Later my boyfriend and I saw a weight belt around the area where we first heard cries for help. My BF retrieved it. I think he retrieved it at around 80 feet. Would have to check his computer. Gave it to Bob Kennedy who was going to give it to the sheriff. Don't actually know if it was the weight belt of the accident victim though.

 

[tracydr]

This is the second death on the West Coast this year (that I know about) that involved a rapid ascent from an AOW deep dive. I really think we may be teaching this too early!

I've always wondered this.
But than, I took AOW on the delayed system, long after I'd already inched my way up to deep dives by myself.
I waited far too long, for personal reasons, by about 200 dives. Probably not recommended, either.

---------- Post Merged at 06:51 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 06:48 PM ----------

H110Hawk, thank you for your contribution to the Thread.

I am sorry that you witnessed part of the aftermath. That must have been upsetting for you, especially in light fo the fact that you were doing your OW dives. Please don't let this incident scare you away from divng.


Does anyone know how old the AOW diver was?

Where is Casino Point?

What is the water temperature?

Does anyone know if there will be an autopsy?

It's Catalina Island, off the coast of LA.
Not sure of the exact temp this month, probably 60-65 degrees, maybe a little higher.
It's a shore dive but usually fairly easy by California standards. There are stairs there to enter the water.

 

[MMarkley]

Wasn't my OW dives, but thanks. I got certified about 8 yrs ago. It was my first time to casino point though. Water temp 68-70 degrees.

 

[CaptainKidd]

I'm done discussing this... Sorry.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I love how everyone has an opinion on what should or shouldn't be taught, or what they would do, or how they would do it. It's also amazing to me that many of you are quick to assume that it was in fact a rapid ascent that caused this tragedy. I find it very troubling that so many people seem compelled to chime in on an event they know very little about, and yet seem to have all the answers. Have some respect. If you weren't there, you don't get to tell others what they did wrong, or criticize the actions of anyone involved. It's easy to judge from the safety of your computer. Remember, this, like other similar tragedies effect many lives, and many of those might be on these forums.

I suggest you read the rules for posting in this area. What is going on in this thread is what is supposed to happen here. We learn from others mistakes and through discussion endeavor to avoid them. And help others avoid them. This area is not for families and friends generally. There are areas for sympathy and such. This is not one of them.
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