Classes still calling "HELP" during training at CSSP

[khacken]

I was at CSSP today and heard a cry for help. After the recent incidents there I took it very seriously and rushed down to the dock to see what kind of assistance was needed. Looking out at the lake I could see a buddy pair splashing on the surface and calling very loudly for help. I looked over to the nearest dock to see if anyone there was assisting and lo and behold it was a rescue class. I could hear the instructor prompting his students on what to do.

After all that has happened at CSSP, I was extremely disappointed that anyone would still allow their students to yell for help. I have heard rumors that certain agencies require this with the thinking that student would yell "PIZZA" or whatever other replacement in a real emergency. I completely disagree with that. Instead what we get now is a whole lake that is learning to ignore people calling for help.

What are your thoughts on this?

 

[danktex]

Yelling anything is going to get me running. From a distance pizza and help don't sound that different. When I did my rescue class we told everyone around what was happening and yelled softly.

 

[texdiveguy]

I hope that at least they were in the right end of the lake were the Rescue classes are now required to be set-up. I agree---the word HELP should not be used in a practice situation! :no

 

[Timeliner]

khacken ~~ I've been wondering where the heck you have been... Ain't seen you since we were at the bottom of Valhalla Missile Silo

I think they should just come to the surface and Sing. """" Strangers in the night ,,, She said she loved ........ """"

Or something like that... I want to be entertained not freaked out when I'm doing a surface interval.

 

[Divingguy]

Yeah, it is especially troublesome when there are multiple classes operating simultaneously. Scubatoys tries to make sure that they use something other than "help", and announces to spectators that it is a rescue class.

 

[Marvel]

if you know the instructor or his/her shop, you might want to contact them & suggest that they adopt another word in future classes- explain why, of course, so they don't get defensive. I like the idea of calling softly as danktex suggested. Since the entire class is (hopefully) engaged, it would help to stop stressful & unneeded responses from those not involved. As always, letting people who are around know what is going on before the excercise starts is going to help too.

 

[redacted]

Something other than the word "help" is a good start but not a complete solution. Perhaps adding a hot pink beanie to the acting diver(s) would eliminate most confusion.

 

[Timeliner]

Welcome to the Swamp Marvel
I'd guess you have been here but I've never said hi !
You know that Royalty doesn't stop by here too often

 

[Marvel]

Welcome to the Swamp Marvel
I'd guess you have been here but I've never said hi !
You know that Royalty doesn't stop by here too often

Tell Pete I am royalty... it has somehow escaped his notice!

Thanks for the welcome, BTW. I saw this thread come up in "New Posts" & it intrigued me. I seldom venture into the "Swamp" unless I am FG bound....& that has been far too long a time!

Honestly, the topic is such a good one that can happen world-wide that it should be out in Basic Scuba Discussions. The OP posted here, however & here it shall remain!

 

[freediver]

I think using "help" is appropriate. Naturally, a softer tone should be used. If the amplitude of the summoning word is being used for realism then why would we remove the realism from training by substituting another word?