The most dangerous thing about scuba is...

[MXGratefulDiver]

Getting in a situation where you will panic, especially underwater. I believe everyone, regardless of experience will eventually panic if they believe they will drown.

Having been in that situation, I can't say "everyone". My situation occurred a few hundred feet back inside a cave, and I did something elementary-stupid that caused me to inhale just enough water to cause my windpipe to spasm shut. Had tons of gas on my back ... couldn't get a drop of it into my lungs ... and it's the only time I've ever been on a dive and the thought occurred to me that I might die here.

I never came close to panic ... mainly because I knew that my best shot at getting air was to concentrate on relaxing so the spasm would pass quicker. I did ... and it did ... and there was a happy outcome.

Panic happens when you're faced with a problem where you can't envision a way out. Best way to avoid it is to think about the solution ... not the problem ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[BKP]

Panic happens when you're faced with a problem where you can't envision a way out. Best way to avoid it is to think about the solution ... not the problem ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Words to live by... literally...

 

[vshearer]

Distractions.

 

[BKP]

Distractions.

Without a doubt...

And best when it's set to music:

YouTube - Jessica Alba - Best of "Into the blue" - uncensored

 

[TMHeimer]

Having been in that situation, I can't say "everyone". My situation occurred a few hundred feet back inside a cave, and I did something elementary-stupid that caused me to inhale just enough water to cause my windpipe to spasm shut. Had tons of gas on my back ... couldn't get a drop of it into my lungs ... and it's the only time I've ever been on a dive and the thought occurred to me that I might die here.

I never came close to panic ... mainly because I knew that my best shot at getting air was to concentrate on relaxing so the spasm would pass quicker. I did ... and it did ... and there was a happy outcome.

Panic happens when you're faced with a problem where you can't envision a way out. Best way to avoid it is to think about the solution ... not the problem ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Well, maybe I'm wrong. You're way more experienced than me and you kept your cool. I'd like to think I would have also (??). If the spasm hadn't passed as quickly do you think you still would have not pannicked?

 

[haumana ronin]

I would tend to agree with those who talk about the driving to the dive site as the most dangerous part of any dive day. Once in the water I am just happy to be weightless in the U/W world and free of the daily mind scatter that goes on when working etc.

I worry about dive-related injuries on NON-dive days too. Stupid internet...:daydreaming:


:zen:

 

[koozemani]

Oh no, that is not the most dangerous but it is the gateway drug, the dangerous part is your wife catching you with the catalog open and credit card in hand....or you don't make it home before she does.

I have an easy fix for that. Memorizing all my card numbers. With enough use, they roll right off your tongue.