SCUBA Diving is Dangerous - Not - Well, Sort Of

The number one concern we hear from non divers is "Aren't you afraid of sharks?"

The answer is no. Attacks on divers are rare. You just do not taste good to sharks. The attacks you read about are almost always mistaken identity. In shallow cloudy water the sharks bite but usually do not eat. Swimmers are far more likely to get bit and even then the swimmers are more likely to get hit be a car crossing the street to get to the beach than they are to get bit in the water.

In the Pacific most of the attacks are on surfers or on people diving for abalone. Snorkeling in a wet suit that makes you look like a seal which the sharks do eat or paddling on a surf board where you mimic the profile of a seal is far more dangerous than diving.

I have been unable to find a report on an attack on a diver in the Caribbean that did not involve wither the diver harassing the shark or a diver spear fishing and then swimming around with a dieing, bleeding fish on their spear.

The same goes for barracuda. They look a lot worse than they are. I have never seen an actual report of a barracuda report although many suggest that wearing shiny jewelery is probably not a good thing.

Whet will get you? Jelly fish and fire coral are the most likely to hurt although not fatal. The burns from the toxins can be quite uncomfortable. A wet suit or skin is the best protection.

There are very few things in cold water that will hurt you although I have been bitten by a blue gill.

If a golfer has a heart attack on the golf course or a jogger has a heart attack running around the park it is a heart attack. If a diver has a heart attack it is reported as a diving accident. When you read about a "diving accident" remember there might be an underlying cause that has no more to do with diving that any other physical activity.

What does hurt divers?

Diving beyond their skill, experience and training. Going into a shipwreck or cave without proper training and equipment has been fatal to more than a few. Proper training and caution solve this problem.

Running out of air. It is unlikely that modern SCUBA equipment will suddenly stop giving air... unless you forget to regularly check your gauges. If you are the type that always runs out of gas maybe you should try another sport.

Do not drink and dive. Not only does it impair your judgment the alcohol dehydrates you and make you more susceptible to decompression sickness (DCS) or the bends. DCS is a rare condition and possibly fatal condition caused by diving too deep, staying too long or coming up too fast.

Diving alone. Having a buddy to help when a problem occur can be critical.

Equipment failure or not having proper equipment. It is wise to have your equipment checked regularly. If you do not use it for awhile it still needs to be service because it dries out and dry rot can set in. If you buy second hand equipment or form a source you do not trust with you life have the equipment check by a professional.

1. I will dive conservatively within range of my skills and experience...and with a buddy
2. I will have my gear serviced regularly.
3. I will review my dive tables or computer functions on a regular basis.
4. I will not harass the sharks or other wildlife.
5. I will not drink and dive.
6. It is no more dangerous than other physical activities.

She will not believe you and still worry but you will impress her with your newfound responsibility.