Panicking OW Student On Surface

[Barnaby'sDad]

How to handle this situation? Take the Rescue course. And say no if you’re ever put in this situation again.

And you might consider taking Rescue from another local shop if the instructor who asked you to help keep an eye on the OW students would be teaching Rescue.

Yup. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that the instructor in question assumed that the OP had more experience than he did. That’s not excusing the instructor for putting OP in that position, but just saying that when someone asks you to do something like that...it would be a good idea to point out your experience level.

I’ve run into this a few times already (people assuming that I’m more experienced than I am). If you have a few years under your belt, you show up with your own gear, know how to assemble it, and don’t have that lost/“what am I supposed to do?” look...people use their “Jump to Conclusions Mat” to conclude that you’re an experienced diver.

 

[ChuckP]

I'd say you got it done - adverting a disaster. DSMB is out of the question, get to their inflator, approach from behind etc.....

I'd also say the two instructors got incredibly lucky.

 

[DanSinks]

maybe this reply is from the heart and not from the rule book but the instructor who "asked you to help keep an eye on the students" seemed like a common sense thing to say in that situation. In my mind it was like saying "speak up if you see anything". But it sounds like it doesn't matter that he said that, it sounds like that person was just closest to you when she started to panic, with the instructor just a few feet away. It's hard to judge without being there.

Did this instructor pair you together with that girl? Then that is a different situation.

Every mishap is a learning experience. It's good to be reminded how fast things can turn bad.

 

[Storker]

Judging from what I went through during my Rescue class, you did as good as could be expected. Others have already pointed out what you could have done differently, but take that rather as a learning experience than as criticism. I'm pretty convinced that I probably wouldn't have done things better than you did.

If it ends well, all is well.

 

[Fishyhead]

Thank you everyone for the input.

In hindsight, not being in this situation would have been best but it did open my eyes to what could happen outside of this particular setting.

To the people asking if I'm a pro or DM, no, I'm just an AOW diver.

Prior to offering her my hand, I saw that she was floating OK but rocking back and forth so much causing her to take on water. I considered pulling her weight belt but things escalated quickly. I called one of the instructors over when she said, "I can't do this". It took him less than a minute to get to us but by that time I was already struggling with her. He did hit her BC inflator as soon as I got behind her and got her calmed down a bit.

The tip about deflating my BC is valuable and makes sense. I knew I needed to get behind her to control the situation but getting more buoyant just made me a better target.

To the person who asked about what agency, I'm certified through NAUI. Prior to this incident, I considered taking the Rescue or Master diver course but through a different shop anyway.

 

[johndiver999]

I agree that the instructors decision to group non professional divers with ow students was probably unwise. However, I am amazed at the prevalence of negative comments directed toward the op.

My goodness, he handled the situation effectively and successfully and then follows up with an attempt to seek additional input about how he might have done better?

The negative comments are ridiculous. Any diver could be presented with this situation of a panicked diver on the surface. It has nothing to do with being rescue certified or a dive professional.

 

[ChuckP]

A rescue type course is great for any recreational diver - you'll become a much better diver and buddy after the course.

Slow down, nothing's an emergency, recognizing panic, preventing it and if all else fails, dealing with it are all part of the course.

You helped someone out of a situation, smile a bit.

 

[DanSinks]

just a comment about the girl who panicked. Without knowing the girl it's hard to say, but in my experience some people just were not meant to be divers. Maybe with more experience she will gain confidence and do great but I would think that if a person panics over loosing a fin it would seem that she is not cut out for it. What will happen in a real emergency?

Those friends that are close to her and maybe diving with her should keep an eye on her and help her decide if she wants to continue in the sport.

 

[Fishyhead]

Did this instructor pair you together with that girl? Then that is a different situation.

No, she was assigned another student as a buddy but he ditched her on the surface swim to us.

 

[Storker]

No, she was assigned another student as a buddy but he ditched her on the surface swim to us.

Thats a clear fail from "another student".