I started this thread in hopes that someone with more information could fill in the blanks. Given the scant information provided, we could all come to the obvious critiques, but they are somewhat meaningless verbal showboating without specific information.
It is especially tragic when someone reaches the surface, but then drowns. Doubly so with someone there to assist. So many ways this could have gone otherwise, I suspect. I grieve for the husband who will have to live with this for the rest of his life; just thinking of the horror of that experience makes me dizzy. Just hoping we can learn something from it.
Now, to add to the showboating that does generate some good discussion (but does it belong in this thread?):
- I agree that many new divers are over weighted. It's done (and therefore ends up being "taught" to new divers, even if unintentionally) as compensation for bad buoyancy control. Better to stay down than bob up and down seems to be the logic.. which is not really good given that you don't always want to be down with fewer options. Some people never take the time once they are diving more frequently and improving to actually fine tune it.
- Regular practice of skills needed in an emergency is vital -- but almost no recreational divers that I know do it. This is why I like the "tech flavored rec" training I've had exposure to which does integrate these habits of practicing skill drills. Orally inflate your BC. Ditch your weights. Ditch your BC. Work w/ your buddy to resolve problems. PRACTICE. If you do things right on a dive to dive basis, you won't NEED your emergency/rescue skills very often, so when you DO, you want them to still be sharp.
- And don't even get me STARTED on gas management. Suffice to say there are pockets of people here in the PNW (and elsewhere I'm sure) with whom this is almost a normal and regular occurrence. They learned bad habits, are too stupid to know any better, and/or sometimes don't even learn after MULTIPLE close calls. WTF!? My bottom line? ** IT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. ** You have the ability to plan and execute dives such that you do not run out of air. Yes, it takes knowledge, skill, and practice. It's worth it. You aren't "wasting" air or opportunity if you come up with 500 lbs (as someone has told me). *shriek of frustration*
(I am not a dive professional, just a recreational diver trained through PADI Rescue Diver. My personal interest is in seeing newly minted divers in my area get the experience under their belt to bridge the gap that exists between certified diver and actual competent diver. There is a period during which the lessons taught in OW certification solidify, problem solving skills are tested and extended, and the diver actually becomes a capable, competent person able to handle a myriad of situations and the innumerable things that can arise if things go wrong. (This may be less for some people, and more for others. It's individual. Has something to do with the flavor of their training and the quality of their instructor along with their own abilities. But that period DOES exist for all. I have yet to meet someone who comes out of any OW class who I'd want to go directly into the sh*t with.))
EDIT: After reading Jim's comment, I wanted to add I do not mean I won't dive with new divers, but when doing so am very aware they are NEW divers, and are untested in a way if an emergent situation arises. I wouldn't want to say to a new diver, "Hey, let's try this horrible entrance to a stiff current and bad vis!"
