I almost DIED in Grand Cayman!

[kidsdream]

It certainly sounds like you are making the correct choice for you.... by giving up diving.

But just a couple of comments. I don't think you were appropriately trained and certainly were not even a moderately advanced diver. Based on your own comments you were not comfortable in the water - blue water by itself can be truly peaceful. Certainly your instructor(s) and you buddys should have been more aware of your high level of disscomfort in the water, even during a "normal" dive.

I hope others can learn from your experience, about the need to be comfortable, trained and experienced for the conditions they plan to dive in. Most importantly, most of the time; the real danger lies in panic and not the conditions or nature of the actions causing concern. Stop, think, act.

I know it does not seem like it, but the conditions were most likely not life threatening (at least in the short to mid term). Thanks again for sharing.

 

[blawler1]

My wife and I have dove that site in downtown George Town a number of times as it is nice safe dive with good vis and lots of swimthroughs, tarpon, turtles and silversides. I am concerned with your charaterization that it is a long and strenuous swim out to the reef. We are older (late 30s and 40s) and not in streamlined shape, but I don't think of that as a stenuous swim unless there is a high wind blowing in. It's how you use your resources.

The trick that we have learned as lazy divers has been to roll over on our backs and backpedal on the surface without need for snorkel or regulator. You can also get more push from the fins down in the water. We have even bought back inflate BCs to help with this. In your case, your near empty tanks would have helped, Snorkels in my opinion, are often more trouble than they are worth when diving. The hyperdry models tend to trap air and so the snorkel is buoyant and pulls on your mask for the whole dive.

As for Eden Rock/Devils grotto, there is a diagram of the site out behind the dive shop for all divers to view the dive site lay out. We could get to only 40 or so feet at the very back of the reef formation there and most of the reef is under 30 feet.

A possibility would be go to Bonaire to work on shore diving made easy.

 

[Tortuga James]

Did everyone miss the statement that she will never dive again. Apparently, she will not need training to "not dive" and figuring why she went diving in the first place is not necessary for future diving, she is not going to dive anymore.

 

[ShakaZulu]

I will never understand why people seem to think someone else is responsible for their safety? Diving can be dangerous, like you have just found out....you have to rely on your own judgment, and if you don't have enough experience to make that judgment, dive your local dives sites until you do. If the ocean is rough, wind is blowing, its raining and there are strong currents, the light should go on, and you should perhaps think that I'm not ready to dive in these conditions. Get rescue certified and continuously learn to improve your confidence and knowledge. You learned a good lesson, and I don't think you should give up. This will make you a better diver in the future. We have all had out little incidents, but we learn from it and move on.

 

[Garrobo]

I've decided that if I ever get scared of diving I'll just take up biking. Or maybe knitting. That's just me though.

 

[dave4868]

We recently went on a dive trip of the western carib - Honduras, Belize, Cayman and Cozumel. I am sharing my story not for the drama, but that other divers, new or old, can maybe learn something from it. We made a few small mistakes, but luckily, ended up alive.

I've retired from diving.

You deserve much praise and appreciation for sharing so honestly about your diving anxiety and panic attacks.

Reading it may help other divers who try to ignore the anxiety they feel when diving. Your story may alert them to the power of panic.

I think quite a few divers try to ignore their diving anxiety instead of dealing with it.

People need to remember that training and experience can get unexpectedly trumped by anxiety. If anxiety keeps occuring during stressful diving incidents, the risk may be too great to continue in the sport. It's a real warning sign.

I give you a lot of credit for your self-awareness, honesty and for making the difficult choice to give up diving!

Thank you again for sharing this very valuable lesson!

Dave C

 

[redacted]

I think you tried too hard to be a diver. If a diver is not comfortable with diving, they need to work out those problems in very little steps; or just enjoy the top side. You really do not want to force yourself to do dives that you are uncomfortable with. But it does seem like you have had some enjoyable dives also. So don't make any decisions too fast that you may regret later.

Used gear prices are not very good. Waiting a few months, or even a year will have little effect on the price.

 

[DiverBizz]

wow! Thank you for sharing your story. I guess if I was not comfortable with diving. I think I would do only very beginning dives. Sounds to me like you had some wonderful experiences before hanging up your reg. I am glad you are ok. It sounds like a very scary event for you. Bloody, passing out, bruises, etc. I don't blame you for wanting to quit. Is your husband hanging up his reg. as well?

 

[DiverBizz]

Also, I think it is a good idea to let the boat LDS know exactly what happened. Just because.

 

[Teamcasa]

Few people want to admit their foibles; it says a lot that you wanted to share it. Diving truly is not for those who have a tendency to panic or that are not confident in their skills.

Thank you for sharing your story. David is a fortunate man to have you.