Scuba Diving: One of the most dangerous activities in the world?

[mk706]

Our local news produced quite possibly the worst diving segment ever. It seems that they could have teamed with one of the local dive shops to put out information that may have actually encouraged non-divers to consider the sport.

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East Alabama's News Leader WLTZ

SPECIAL REPORT: Dive Detectives
Christina Chambers
Story Created: Jul 8, 2010 at 8:50 PM CDT
Story Updated: Jul 9, 2010 at 5:55 AM CDT

SCUBA diving is considered a recreational sport, but for the Chambers County Sheriffs Department Dive Team, it's a job.

According to Tommy High, Chambers County Dive Detective, investigative diving is different from investigating on land because of the low visibility under the water.

The Chambers County Dive Team was started in 2006. The dive team performs search and recovery of bodies and evidence. A couple of months ago, the dive team assisted in the recovery of stolen guns in the Lee County Lake. They were also on standby for the drowning at Chewacla State Park a few weeks ago.

"We work in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies around as a mutual aid," said High.

According to the National SCUBA Diving Association, SCUBA diving is considered one of the most dangerous activities in the world, but still millions of people successfully obtain scuba diving certifications around the world every year.

"It's claustrophobic, you will only know if you can do it if you are in a controlled environment," said High. High said a marked flag must be on top of the water to let people know divers are below the water.

For more information on how to scuba dive, you can contact your local dive shop.

 

[Garrobo]

Just some more sensationalistic reportage. And as far as the NSDA goes. Bull****! Waste your time reading what they have to say.

 

[Kevin Carlisle]

Didnt you know this? Only thing more dangerous is driving home from the dive

 

[gfyrasng]

I think you're over reacting a little. They did mention that thousands (or was it millions) of divers get certified and enjoy diving every year.

As far as this comment goes - "It's claustrophobic, you will only know if you can do it if you are in a controlled environment", well that can certianly be taken out of context, as he was describing their work, not scuba diving in general.

Let's be honest here, it probably is one of the most dangerous sports out there, but that doesn't mean it can't be done safely by just about anybody out there. I could definitely see being upset if they had said scuba diving is one of the most deadly sports.

 

[Kevin Carlisle]

I think you're over reacting a little. They did mention that thousands (or was it millions) of divers get certified and enjoy diving every year.

As far as this comment goes - "It's claustrophobic, you will only know if you can do it if you are in a controlled environment", well that can certianly be taken out of context, as he was describing their work, not scuba diving in general.

Let's be honest here, it probably is one of the most dangerous sports out there, but that doesn't mean it can't be done safely by just about anybody out there. I could definitely see being upset if they had said scuba diving is one of the most deadly sports.

He is quoting a newscast, not his own opinion.

 

[D_B]

I wonder if it is .. one of the most dangerous sports ?
and just what criteria would you use to decide that ?

I do understand that its not kite flying, and the penalties for something going really bad could be severe, but ... is it more dangerous than ... flying your own plane? riding a motorcycle? rock climbing?

 

[dburg30]

Well, you ARE totally reliant on equipment to keep you alive. You ARE going into a place where humans cant survive without said equipment. It IS dangerous, but can still, as we know, be done very safely also. So, sure, it's made to sound like 1/2 the people diving die doing it (ok, not quite), but that's a news story for ya.

I mean look at jobs, hi-rise workers, mine workers, cops, fire fighters etc etc LOTS of people survive doing those jobs everyday, but they ARE dangerous jobs.

 

[gfyrasng]

He is quoting a newscast, not his own opinion.

I understand that, but in the OP's post, he didn't quote any of the positive comments made by the reporter, so it seems like he is taking what they said out of context.

 

[knotical]

In addition to all the other cr*p in the article, I'm pretty sure there is no such thing as:

...the National SCUBA Diving Association...

 

[Jim Lapenta]

In addition to all the other cr*p in the article, I'm pretty sure there is no such thing as:

You caught that too? One thing that people need to understand is that there are and have been intelligent reporters. However they are usually not the ones on TV. TV reporters are chosen for looks and ratings. Brains are not a required part of the job. The ability to regurgitate things they are told is. When you have these people doing their own research they haven't a clue where to start. And it is easier to take someone else's words and use them. Ever think some of the guys in the know take pleasure in sticking it to a reporter to make them look like idiots? Of course they do. But as long as low cut blouses and porn star looks count we will watch and listen. Would you want to watch Rosie O Donnel or Tyra Banks do the news? Both two bit talk show hosts but one makes yah go "blech" and the other "oh baby talk to me". Don't care what ya say just stay on the screen a few more minutes.