Mustard Dave
Contributor
I saw this thread last night and it was the first time I became aware of the sad passing of Quero. My thoughts are with Marcia's family and friends, and all those who have been affected by her passing.
I have not read much of the discussion thread as it is now at 59 pages and I do not particularly fancy sifting for facts that are in amongst the conjecture and argument also contained in that thread. I cannot therefore comment on the specific circumstances and say whether her tragic death could have been avoided or not.
There is a saying I heard a while back, and like to use when somebody expresses concerns about the safety of diving:
Humans are not evolved to breathe underwater and when we do this, we are taking a risk. We are also not evolved to travel at speed or fly, however, we have developed mechanical means of doing these too. Cars and planes crash now and again, often with tragic consequences, however, can you imagine life without travel? There are ways to improve safety, be it in a vehicle, in our work or in diving and these are developed and implemented all the time. We will never lead a life devoid of any sort of risk to life.
Also remember, people die all the time due to medical conditions or even for no apparent reason. I knew a lad who was sat at his dad's house with his two brothers watching football on the television. He was an apparently healthy 30 year old but just died suddenly. If he had been diving at the time, it would have made the national press and there would have been discussion on several internet forums.
Of course, being underwater could delay treatment of a non-diving related medical emergency, but so could being alone in your car or out walking in the country.
Whatever decision you make has to be yours. If you still feel the risks are too great, then I respect your choice; nobody should be diving in that state of mind. I would like to be able to reassure you that diving accidents are usually avoidable when we are properly trained, take care of our equipment and dive within our limits. I love diving and dread the day I have to hang up my fins. Whatever you do, enjoy life - it's the only one we get!
I have not read much of the discussion thread as it is now at 59 pages and I do not particularly fancy sifting for facts that are in amongst the conjecture and argument also contained in that thread. I cannot therefore comment on the specific circumstances and say whether her tragic death could have been avoided or not.
There is a saying I heard a while back, and like to use when somebody expresses concerns about the safety of diving:
"Diving is safe - as long as you remember it is dangerous."
Humans are not evolved to breathe underwater and when we do this, we are taking a risk. We are also not evolved to travel at speed or fly, however, we have developed mechanical means of doing these too. Cars and planes crash now and again, often with tragic consequences, however, can you imagine life without travel? There are ways to improve safety, be it in a vehicle, in our work or in diving and these are developed and implemented all the time. We will never lead a life devoid of any sort of risk to life.
Also remember, people die all the time due to medical conditions or even for no apparent reason. I knew a lad who was sat at his dad's house with his two brothers watching football on the television. He was an apparently healthy 30 year old but just died suddenly. If he had been diving at the time, it would have made the national press and there would have been discussion on several internet forums.
Of course, being underwater could delay treatment of a non-diving related medical emergency, but so could being alone in your car or out walking in the country.
Whatever decision you make has to be yours. If you still feel the risks are too great, then I respect your choice; nobody should be diving in that state of mind. I would like to be able to reassure you that diving accidents are usually avoidable when we are properly trained, take care of our equipment and dive within our limits. I love diving and dread the day I have to hang up my fins. Whatever you do, enjoy life - it's the only one we get!