Scuba Dive

Larry, the vindictive lobster

When I think of Florida’s oceans, I think of yellow sugar sand beaches, blue crystal clear water, and red sunburned tourists.  Little did I know that the Sunshine State is also a great place to die while diving (or snorkeling).  I recently read an article on CDNN, the Cyber Diver News Network, which highlighted the unbelievable number of scuba deaths so far in 2009 in Florida.  CDNN cited 24 scuba/snorkeling related deaths by July 30 of this year, which made me wonder: what the heck happened to all of these people?  A summary:

Ways to die while scuba diving in Florida

Killer Crustaceans – Spiny lobster fishing season only lasts 2 days, but claims at least one death per year.  This year it took two.  Makes you wonder if the lobsters, who were in mourning for cousin Larry (not seen since last lobster fishing season,) embraced the revenge business this year.

Deadly Decompression – I’m not sure where these folks learned to scuba dive, but clearly the chapter on ascent rates and safety stops was ripped out of their training manual before the class started.  Decompression sickness claimed several lives already this year.

Only the Lonely – Are people who visit Florida antisocial?  An inordinate number of people seem to want to dive, and die, alone.  A killer argument for why you should always dive with a buddy.

Wet Willie – There seems to be a misconception that armed with a snorkel or a scuba rig one can forgo the need to know how to swim or approach raging currents with abandon.  Drowning seems to be a problem in Florida as well. 

Hey!  You Ran Me Over! – Blind Boater Crossing: Divers beware.  Several divers and snorkelers met their end by meeting boats head on.  Again, it’s a killer argument for carrying a safety sausage, salami, or other life-saving lunchmeat.

Though I jest, this is really a serious subject.  Just a reminder on the life-saving benefits of common sense, solid skills, and a little scuba humility.