Diver deceased at Manatee Springs, 2/19?

[letterboy]

I pray for the family of the deceased diver.

I'm working on getting my dad diving. The real problem is that he works in a hospital (anesthegiologist), he takes care of people who have burned themselves badly, fallen off of anything that moves, or drunk their liver/smoked their lungs into submission. As a result, I've launched less than 15 bottlerockets in my entire life, had to sew a seatbelt into my gokart and wear a helmet, even though it had roll bars, dirtbikes were out of the question (ironically, the one time I disobeyed and rode my neighbor's dirtbike, I gave myself a 3rd degree burn on one leg, a good size part of it too. Got in alot of trouble that that one.). My parents would disown me if I went bungee jumping, or mowed the lawn without shoes on (riding mower, for years I was require dto wear steel toed boots). I'm still alive and I'm decently cautios. I'm not anxious to die, I have yet to make fortunes or make the entire world think like I do! Buy my parents tend to be nervous, especially of things they don't understand. All they know about diving is folklore says people die in caves and that it's dangerous. They don't want to get in springs (too cold) or salt water (sharks!), and the gear is too cumbersome, yet the only way I'll be able to convince them that not everyone dives solo, and dies, is to get them in the water!

However, deaths are a sobering example of how careless you can get. In normal life, I do my best driving after someone tailgates me. I see their example and realize I've been driving too close to cars myself, so I correct it. However, that doesn't take a death to teach me a elsson.

As for you JahJah you need to get out more

 

[Scott04]

For you newbees and hardheaded older-timers (me), thoughts to ponder.....
This and other deaths while tradgic should be learned from and not pondered on as to what would of happened if his buddy had not left. We'll never know the reason for his buddy's departure or separation unless we could read the mind of the buddy. There's one thing I've learned in the years of diving; have a buddy if you choose, enjoy and share the experience with him or her but don't go down with or without one unprepared to take care of yourself. If it's a life or death situation, your buddy will leave, it's human nature. Be prepared to deal with things on your own. If your buddy doesn't leave and saves you, then great, but why take the chance and assume that. Afterall, it's your life, don't take it for granted, you may not live to have a second chance.
I strongly believe that if more people were taught that and practiced it, more would be alive today.

Just my $.02

Scott

 

[james croft]

I'm working on getting my dad diving. The real problem is that he works in a hospital (anesthegiologist), he takes care of people who have burned themselves badly, fallen off of anything that moves, or drunk their liver/smoked their lungs into submission. As a result, I've launched less than 15 bottlerockets in my entire life, had to sew a seatbelt into my gokart and wear a helmet, even though it had roll bars, dirtbikes were out of the question (ironically, the one time I disobeyed and rode my neighbor's dirtbike, I gave myself a 3rd degree burn on one leg, a good size part of it too. Got in alot of trouble that that one.). My parents would disown me if I went bungee jumping, or mowed the lawn without shoes on (riding mower, for years I was require dto wear steel toed boots). I'm still alive and I'm decently cautios. I'm not anxious to die, I have yet to make fortunes or make the entire world think like I do! Buy my parents tend to be nervous, especially of things they don't understand. All they know about diving is folklore says people die in caves and that it's dangerous. They don't want to get in springs (too cold) or salt water (sharks!), and the gear is too cumbersome, yet the only way I'll be able to convince them that not everyone dives solo, and dies, is to get them in the water!

However, deaths are a sobering example of how careless you can get. In normal life, I do my best driving after someone tailgates me. I see their example and realize I've been driving too close to cars myself, so I correct it. However, that doesn't take a death to teach me a elsson.

Count your blessings. My folks bought me Lawn Darts. My mom would never wear a seatbelt, although I would wear one. Everytime she had to brake hard she would throw her right arm across the seat to keep me from hitting the dash. Totally unnecessary as I was belted in. The usual result was I got a busted lip from being smacked by her arm or she burned me with the cigarette she was holding. They even went as far as buying me a mask with the built in snorkels. That mask was a lot more dangerous than cave diving. Everyone needs a little danger in their life to add spice. Listen to your folks for now, but in a little while you will be able to do your own thing. The caves will always be there .

 

[Fuzzmutton]

I'm working on getting my dad diving. The real problem is that he works in a hospital (anesthegiologist), he takes care of people who have burned themselves badly, fallen off of anything that moves, or drunk their liver/smoked their lungs into submission. As a result, I've launched less than 15 bottlerockets in my entire life, had to sew a seatbelt into my gokart and wear a helmet, even though it had roll bars, dirtbikes were out of the question (ironically, the one time I disobeyed and rode my neighbor's dirtbike, I gave myself a 3rd degree burn on one leg, a good size part of it too. Got in alot of trouble that that one.). My parents would disown me if I went bungee jumping, or mowed the lawn without shoes on (riding mower, for years I was require dto wear steel toed boots). I'm still alive and I'm decently cautios. I'm not anxious to die, I have yet to make fortunes or make the entire world think like I do.

Buck up JahJah, my boys (12 and 18) have never been allowed to TOUCH a lawn mower My best friend in High School cut off half her foot, no exaggeration, with a push mower when she was 17. I think your parents are waaaay to relaxed, they let you on the...gasp...riding mower

 

[JEScholz]

For you newbees and hardheaded older-timers (me), thoughts to ponder.....
This and other deaths while tradgic should be learned from and not pondered on as to what would of happened if his buddy had not left. We'll never know the reason for his buddy's departure or separation unless we could read the mind of the buddy. There's one thing I've learned in the years of diving; have a buddy if you choose, enjoy and share the experience with him or her but don't go down with or without one unprepared to take care of yourself. If it's a life or death situation, your buddy will leave, it's human nature. Be prepared to deal with things on your own. If your buddy doesn't leave and saves you, then great, but why take the chance and assume that. Afterall, it's your life, don't take it for granted, you may not live to have a second chance.
I strongly believe that if more people were taught that and practiced it, more would be alive today.

Just my $.02

Scott

Scott, You raise a good point. Every diver needs to be self sufficient. If you are relying on your buddy to save your tail, you may not be around long enough to be disappointed. An extra hand is often welcomed and so is that extra set of eyes on the bottom, but it is something that you should not rely on. How many divers would consider doing a deep dive and rely on their buddy to supply the deco gas, bail out, tag line, octo, bottom timer, depth gage etceteras... I read a quote recently that "Technical" diving was "team" diving. I would expand that thought to say if you can't do the dive on your own, it may be to technical for your current level of training and skill. I know I have been in over my head a few times and my dive buddies have taught me loads of tips and techniques. The more experience I gain, the more I realize my limitations. My condolences to the families on the recent incidents.

 

[RS]

It's good to hear your words of moderation, humility, and good common sense.

You're outstanding for a young diver, especially when "extreme" and "no fear" are popular modern buzzwords so in vogue today.

Dave C

Good follow up post. Thx

 

[Rick Murchison]

I'm working on getting my dad diving. The real problem is that he works in a hospital (anesthegiologist), he takes care of people who have burned themselves badly, fallen off of anything that moves, or drunk their liver/smoked their lungs into submission. As a result, I've launched less than 15 bottlerockets in my entire life, had to sew a seatbelt into my gokart and wear a helmet, even though it had roll bars, dirtbikes were out of the question (ironically, the one time I disobeyed and rode my neighbor's dirtbike, I gave myself a 3rd degree burn on one leg, a good size part of it too. Got in alot of trouble that that one.). My parents would disown me if I went bungee jumping, or mowed the lawn without shoes on (riding mower, for years I was require dto wear steel toed boots). I'm still alive and I'm decently cautios. I'm not anxious to die, I have yet to make fortunes or make the entire world think like I do! Buy my parents tend to be nervous, especially of things they don't understand. All they know about diving is folklore says people die in caves and that it's dangerous. They don't want to get in springs (too cold) or salt water (sharks!), and the gear is too cumbersome, yet the only way I'll be able to convince them that not everyone dives solo, and dies, is to get them in the water!

However, deaths are a sobering example of how careless you can get. In normal life, I do my best driving after someone tailgates me. I see their example and realize I've been driving too close to cars myself, so I correct it. However, that doesn't take a death to teach me a elsson.

Whoa! What will they say when you join the Navy?
Rick

 

[RS]

Diving is getting more and more popular every day. There are more divers now than ever and the media, and message boards like this allow us to find out about every bad thing (and good) that happens. I am quite sure there arent more deaths by percent of dives made just alot more dives being made by alot more people. Dan keeps pretty good stats on this stuff. Its always sad when someone is hurt doing something we all love so damn much. Its easy to feel like every diver is your brother or sister and every death sinks deep into you, and doesnt bounce off or slip by you like the death of someone involved in an activity you have never been interested in. I actually logged on today to find information on my dive buddies friend who died yesterday during an ice dive in canada. Im saddened by all ive read.

As are all of us.

Prayers and condolences for the lost and for the loved ones.

We send you thoughts of peace.

 

[fldiver1]

As was mentioned earlier, with the "no fear" and other phrases kids use all the time these days. This is what scares me. I have two friends who JUST recently got thier OW. One of them says he "grew up in the ocean surfing" and isnt scared of anything(he is 35). The other is 50 and is just kinda cocky with...uhh..a strong personality we'll say. They both got a little too cocky after getting there cert. last month. My brother and I tried to explain that even though "they arent scared of anything" they will have some OH ***** moments sometimes in the water and they better know how to handle it. Both told me it wouldnt happen to them, we both said "ok, whatever you say". They both had those moments in Key Largo this past weekend!! Of course my brother and I were keeping an extra close eye on them anyway but it was a humbling experience for one of them. The 35 yr old still says he has no fear of anything. OK we tell him. I know this sounds like torture, but we are waiting for BLUE SPRINGS to open back up so we can take him in there. Hopefully he'll have(I know this sounds bad) one of those moments there with both my bro and myself there with him. We don't want him getting cocky enough that he swims off from us or tries something stupid like cavern or cave untrained. We actually want him to get the crap scared out of him once so he'll listen a little better. If not, we may not be diving too much with him until he has more training. i don't want to see ANYONE die, especiazlly one of my close friends. It is usually the cocky or know it all types that have the problems though from my experience. They seem to think the rules don't apply to them.

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Whoa! What will they say when you join the Navy?
Rick

I didn't know I was joining the Navy!