cdiver2:
A intresting fact to ponder when we talk about diver fatality's.
Even tho the number of fatalitys go up every year the growth of new divers far out number it.
source BSAC web site
I would expect fatalities to track # of dives, not # of divers. Interesting statistic, but it could just mean newer divers aren't diving that much.
diver371:
does anyone know why people die every year? is it because they were not properly trained? or was it that they ignored the rules? can't there be rules that are more organised to promote safer diving.
whitedragon13:
DAN's accident report is pretty good. It doesn't cover all the accidents, but it's as inclusive as it can be. I remember reading that equipment was cited in 40% of the accidents a few years ago, but not that the equipment failed...it was that the user didn't know how to properly operate the equipment. Alcohol/drugs was cited in 15% or so. I attribute almost 100% to carelessness.
Like whiteDragon says, the DAN accident report is the best source, if you have a DAN membership. I've read many, many reports, and what struck me is a large # of deaths seemed to be in divers with heart problems, or people who were very out of shape. Also, a lot of new divers, and a lot of divers who had hundreds of dives. Some equipment issues, some carelessness. But certainly not 100% carelessness. Diving can be dangerous, just like driving a car is.
There will always be people who exceed guidelines, depths, recommendations, etc. no matter what the activity. (Especially men, for biological reasons). We can try to educate people better. But I don't think rules are the answer. I don't know how things work in the UAE, but here in the USA we like to make decisions for ourselves, the less rules, the better. I certainly wouldn't like you telling me what rules to follow when I go diving (no offense towards you meant at all), and I wouldn't want to tell you what to do either. Maybe instead of rules, you meant guidelines.
Scott
