Do you ever think about what you're swimming in?

[serambin]

Did you ever think about what you breathe, sleep with, or eat? Trust me, it's (much) worse.

Stan

 

[serambin]

I'm a microbiologist, which gives me a certain fatalistic approach to bacterial exposures...

Most of the many microbiological agents found in seawater are not a threat to a healthy diver. The only time it becomes a major concern is when diving near any sewage. Thats a definite no-no.

Did you ever see the coliform profiles from a major city in the summer. E. Coli is not in danger of extinction in Louisiana. (Coliform - used to describe rod-shaped bacteria that are normally found in the colons of humans and animals and become a serious contaminant when found in the food or water supply.)

Stan

 

[Humu-out-of-Water]

I was diving in a local lake and encountered an odd white round object. "Could it be a skull?", I thought to myself. My instructor quickly motioned for me to back out and away. Turns out it was a discarded DIAPER!:shakehead

 

[drbill]

Keep in mind that not all of these bacteria and other potential pathogens affect humans. Many are specific to other forms of life.

Occasionally while I'm "down under" (and I don't mean Australia), I think of a story Jean-Michel Cousteau told me about 25 years ago. He was giving a talk to a large audience when a little girl in the audience raised her hand. When called on she asked, "Mr. Cousteau... how can you swim in the ocean with all those fish poopies?"

I try to avoid our waters during the gray whale migrations!

 

[pakman]

I dove about a year ago in a sewage plan in Arizona, that had some backed up drains. Someone had to do it and get paid why not me. Oh by the way I looked for the brown trout and couldn't find them. LOL After the dive all commercial gear was incinerated $5000.00 Des-co Pot Dive hat as well as dry suites. Cannot even describe the smell.

that reminds of that episode on Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs" show. They were doing a part about the divers who worked for the Mexican sewers... good god ...

Here's a pic and article from a San Antonio newspaper...
Even on the best of days, these guys are in deep doo-doo.

 

[IceIce]

That explains the itch I get everytime I dive.
But it doesn't matter, there is no such thing as clean place in the world. Every corner, every form, every kiss...

 

[_Bella_]

Yeah but a kiss is a good dirty. Dirty diapers floating by your mask on the other hand. :l:

 

[RV]

I was diving in a local lake and encountered an odd white round object. "Could it be a skull?", I thought to myself. My instructor quickly motioned for me to back out and away. Turns out it was a discarded DIAPER!:shakehead

ROFLMAO
run away run away!!! LOL