Would you lend, or accept, a hand when diving?

[chillyinCanada]

I would offer help to anyone who asks for it, or is visibly struggling. Personally, the day I can't get in/out the water by myself is the day I hang up my fins.

Sure, you say that now but when the time comes, you'll find that you can do everything in the water that you could ever do. And that all you need is a little help getting in and out. Do you Really think that you would quit diving because of that?

 

[Hoyden]

Sure, you say that now but when the time comes, you'll find that you can do everything in the water that you could ever do. And that all you need is a little help getting in and out. Do you Really think that you would quit diving because of that?

I believe that this is a decision that will come to us all if we last long enough. I will keep diving until they can't roll me into the water as long as I am still capable in the water.

 

[grf88]

Just about to turn 76 and yes I sometimes need help to get back up the ladder. Underwater everything is easy but once subjected to gravity old arthritic knees and torn rotator cuffs make what used to be easy much harder.

 

[James79]

My question is, what level of help would you feel safe accepting or giving to keep an older diver on a regular dive schedule?
Thoughts and ideas welcome, snark not welcome.

To me that depends on the conditions at the site. If it's just me and you, I'll help as much as you'd like to keep it easier so long as the conditions don't mean you'd die without me (for instance if you couldn't make the exit, even after ditching gear, without help.... then if I had an unforeseen medical issue on the dive it would kill us both). That still leaves a whole lot of dives that we could do together! If you reached a point that you medically couldn't count on being able to help me in an emergency, then I either treat it as a solo dive (in terms of self rescue expectation), or we get a 3rd to go with us. My wife is healthy, just a terrible dive buddy.... I'm here dive buddy when we dive, but she isn't mine! I'm effectively solo with her, and that's ok because I know it going into the dive and plan accordingly.

Short version, I'll help you (or anyone) as much as wanted/needed unless or until I think I'm just assisting suicide!

Respectfully,

James

 

[Billg68bg]

I look at this thread and think,”why wouldn’t everybody accept or lend assistance when needed or able?”

 

[Hoag]

I served for a little over 30 years in the RCAF, so I have a pretty strong attitude of "one man, one kit", meaning that you are responsible to get your stuff into and out of whatever & where ever you are going.

I also have a very strong "sheepdog" instinct and an unshakeable belief that "no one gets left behind" and I will help and protect anyone who needs assistance.

So, where does that leave me with regards to the OP's question? IMHO, I think that it is important to know your limitations relative to the current conditions. I think that if the conditions are worse than what you are able to dive in that you should realize that and maybe "sit this one out". I also firmly believe that if someone needs help, that it should be rendered immediately with the only question asked is "Are you OK?" after the fact. I also would hope that if I ever find myself being the one who needs help that I would accept any help that was offered graciously.

 

[Altamira]

We’re talking here about help with hauling gear or getting in/out of the water, but I’ve seen divers get really bent out of shape when someone asked for help starting a drysuit zipper. “They have to do it themselves!”

That qualifies for being a jerk (or something more rudely descriptive).

 

[Imla]

Being a girl, with a neuromuscular condition and up until recently quite heavy, this is a challenge I have faced on quite a lot of dives. Divers who believe that "if you can't carry your equipment up the (incredibly stupidly constructed) boatladder you are not capable of doing the dive...

I know my limitations. I also know I am strong enough and fit enough to carry my gue-JJ up 5 stories worth of stairs, however, boatladders with 25cm "everyother" steps are a nightmare. Rocky shores. A nightmare. Not because I am not strong enough, but because I have ONE chance to get my balance. If not, muscles lock up. So, I need help. I need a balancing hand. I don't need help to carry my s***. (I will even help carry your stuff) I need a hand to support. Sans gear, you wouldn't know I had a condition at all, and I would absolutely be able to get you on shore or in a boat. Thankfully, I have buddies who accept that they either have to give me a hand on shoredives or help me (i'll lift my self) get my rig in the boat after the dive. Will I ditch my rig if nessesary to save your life, absolutely. I have a good insurance.
I see absolutely no reason why I should not join my friends on our fun CCR2/Cave dives.


A good thing to keep in mind for people with dive boats. Noone has EVER complained about a good dive ladder. However, a bad ladder, with steps on every other side or long distance between steps can exclude or make the experience worse for quite a lot of divers. Making a good ladder from the get go is a good way to get a good reputation.

 

[MB NZ]

Sure, you say that now but when the time comes, you'll find that you can do everything in the water that you could ever do. And that all you need is a little help getting in and out. So you Really think that you would quit diving because of that?

I think so given that diving hasn't been a huge part of my life for some time. For a long while, it WAS my life, but alas, no more, so not a huge deal. I'm also very much a solo diver. I've mellowed a bit over the years and do dive with friends/family occasionally, but self-reliance is important to me.

 

[chillyinCanada]

I think so given that diving hasn't been a huge part of my life for some time. For a long while, it WAS my life, but alas, no more, so not a huge deal. I'm also very much a solo diver. I've mellowed a bit over the years and do dive with friends/family occasionally, but self-reliance is important to me.

I don't know what to say to someone who has already given up diving.