Skill or Stupid Stunt

[Walter]

I still teach it (with buddy breathing) in my OW course. It's a confidence builder and the experience will help prevent panic when things go wrong on a real dive.

 

[toodive4]

These nerdy liberal geeks that worry about liability really pluck my nerves. I'm an Instructor and I encourage people to practice any and all skills in the pool. Anyone can sue anyone these days and they really don't need a reason. I don't worry about this liability crap. That's what I buy insurance for. Since he was not directly supervising you and did not tell you to perform the skill, he has no liability. The fact you may have ended up in his equipment is irrelevant. If anything, he might be able to sue you for dying in his perfectly good equipment and making him look bad... give me a break... Go practice your skills... have fun... and you just might learn something despite these wacky liberal geek dive leaders....

 

[Dragon2115]

Since he was not directly supervising you and did not tell you to perform the skill, he has no liability. The fact you may have ended up in his equipment is irrelevant.

It would be nice if this were true, unfortunately it isn't. By him just being there a jury could decide that in being a DM he had some level of responsibility. In loaning his gear they could also assign liability. Does this make sense? Not to any rational human being it doesn't. But then again, people stop being rational the second they walk through the courtroom doors. If you don't believe me just go to your local family or probate court and watch for awhile. You'll be amazed at what blood relatives will do to each other over a lousy $1500 inheritance.

It's a damn good thing Jacque Cousteau didn't have to deal with people freaking out when someone dares to learn something on their own. If he did we'd still be snorkeling.

 

[toodive4]

Liberal geek lawyers and juries who misuse the law for personal gain... This is beginning to go by the wayside (slowly) as we get more conservative judges to the bench... at least in areas of the country where brain cells can still be located...

It would be nice if this were true, unfortunately it isn't. By him just being there a jury could decide that in being a DM he had some level of responsibility. In loaning his gear they could also assign liability. Does this make sense? Not to any rational human being it doesn't. But then again, people stop being rational the second they walk through the courtroom doors. If you don't believe me just go to your local family or probate court and watch for awhile. You'll be amazed at what blood relatives will do to each other over a lousy $1500 inheritance.

It's a damn good thing Jacque Cousteau didn't have to deal with people freaking out when someone dares to learn something on their own. If he did we'd still be snorkeling.