Fatalities at Catalina Dive park ?

[drbill]

Yes, I've lived on Catalina for over 40 years. We have LA County lifeguards and paramedics, LA County Sheriff, LA County and City Fire. Often when there is a call, many of those entities respond. With the new emergency phone at the dive park, response should now be in nanoseconds instead of milliseconds.

In addition, there are often many eyes at the dive park (especially on weekends) that can help spot problems often before they become serious. Compare that to some of the more isolated mainland locations where there may be few eyes and no immediate response. Of course I like to dive when there are fewer eyes present, like last night. That way they can't see how badly I flail through the water.

 

[blue steal]

Hey drbill.
Where exactly is that phone located? Close to the fill station or over across from casino dock cafe.
I never noticed it before.

 

[Ken Kurtis]

Where exactly is that phone located? Close to the fill station or over across from casino dock cafe.I never noticed it before.

That's because it wasn't there until this weekend. We are still waiting for the actual phone line to get hooked in today or tomorrow to go fully operational and then we'll make a formal announcement. But I'll give you guys a sneak peek even though we're not "official" yet:


The phone was paid for by the Chamber and donated to the City of Avalon. Installation was handled by The Island Compnay, the City of Avalon will take care of the phone line, and the Sheriff's 911 dispatcher will receive all the calls. The phone's located, as you arrive at Casino Point and are facing the low wall and stairs, to the right near the big planter and flag pole (you can't miss it). Push the red button and get connected via speakerphone to 911 and tell them what's going on.

Here's a one-minute video explaining what's what: Avalon Emergency Phone VNR - kenkurtis' Photos .

This is an excellent example not only of agencies working together for the greater safety of the diving community, but also how your continued support of your Chamber through Chmaber Day, the Avalon Harbor Cleanup, and the Gold Star Dive, allow your Chamber to do more than just treat injured divers.

- Ken

 

[blue steal]

Thanks for the information and video Ken.
Sure can't miss that.

 

[Venom]

They put that phone right where I always sit.
Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing

 

[Ken Kurtis]

They put that phone right where I always sit. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing

Brush up on your CPR and you can make yourself useful . . .



- Ken

 

[drbill]

Nice picture, Ken... but I expected to see the one of you, Karl Huggins ad Bob Kennedy by the phone! As Ken said, a great example of organizations working together to promote greater dive safety. Now if I could just figure out a way to link into the phone from underwater when I'm diving solo there at night.