Mike Boswell
Contributor
Twice this week, and several more times within the last year, I've read accident/incident stories of scuba divers who "have a little trouble" just before, or just after, beginning their dive. Often they inform their buddies that something is wrong and they want to abort the dive. Soon afterwards, with or without buddies or rescue assistance, they die, apparently (I'm guessing) of a heart attack. Quite a few of these people have been in their 40's and 50's.
What is going on here? Is the stress of gearing up, or getting wet, actually killing people? If so, what should we divers know about this? What should we do about it?
Can these incidents be avoided somehow?
Is there any way to identify those at risk?
Should divers modify their pre-dive procedures in some way?
If my buddy turns to me and says they want to abort the dive, what should I do?
What is going on here? Is the stress of gearing up, or getting wet, actually killing people? If so, what should we divers know about this? What should we do about it?
Can these incidents be avoided somehow?
Is there any way to identify those at risk?
Should divers modify their pre-dive procedures in some way?
If my buddy turns to me and says they want to abort the dive, what should I do?