Vladimr makes a good point that this topic offers educational value. I am new to this forum, did not know it existed, until I started following the post on Trip Advisor about this accident. Since, as I posted earlier, I had experienced a downdraft and had NO IDEA what I could have done differently, I have learned a lot on this board. I will say that where I was when it happened afforded me no oppurtunity to grab anything solid as I was alongside a sand wash. My quick descent had me tumbling as opposed to a controlled descent, and last, adding air to my BC at depth did not appear to resolve my descent. It had to have been a lessening of the current that allowed me to swim out of it. Again, I would like to re-emphasize a statement I previously posted, and that is when you come across an event that you have not experienced before, you are not an "experienced diver" to that event. Only your training, physical fitness and your ability to not panic and think through your problem will decide your outcome.
As a diver, you will experience the unexpected, and the emphasis on training and education is paramount to participating in this sport with a modicum of safety. When I first got certified, I did dives every chance I had, in all manner of differing conditions. I was addicted to it, be it warm water or cold water, I just could not get my fill. Over the last 6 or 7 years, my diving has been limited to a couple trips p year to ONLY warm waters. At my age and other life interests, that is by choice. Each time I enter the water now, my skills are noticeably diminished and I consider myself once
Again a novice. This is probably a good thing, it keeps my ego in check and prevents me from being overconfident of my abilities.
Many of you on this board are quite experienced but please keep in mind that we who are reading this may not be and the educational benefit of this post could be life-saving.
