Common Fatal Scuba Diving Accidents

Recreational scuba diving is defined as diving for pleasure to a depth that does not exceed 130ft. To go scuba diving you have to be a certified diver and go through basic training in safety and techniques. This past time is growing in popularity and in the United States alone there are upwards of 9,000,000 certified divers. Although statistically a safe sport, diving accidents do and will happen. However in comparison to fatalities in other areas, scuba diving has one of the best track records.

In the years since 1980 the number of annual fatalities in scuba diving has remained pretty constant at around 90, however in 2008 that number raised significantly with May being the worst month with 51 fatalities. Is this jump in numbers related to the accessibility for the general public to scuba diving and all the many areas it can be done? That is certainly one contributing factor - the more people who participate - the larger the number of accidents and fatalities. However it has also been shown that scuba diving operators may have contributed to some of the fatalities by not following the proper protocols, by using substandard equipment and in some cases, their lack in inexperience.

Most of the fatalities that occur involve inexperienced divers and the number one cause is drowning, followed by illness or injury and then drifting. Lack of knowledge about the currents, dangerous marine life and possible underwater structures can also contribute to the risks when diving. Then how - or why - does a diver drown? There are various reasons that can bring about this result. Faulty equipment that hasn't been properly maintained can easily seize up or cease to work, leaving the diver without oxygen. An inexperienced diver may not monitor his gauges closely enough and run out of air. Not being physically fit and becoming exhausted during a dive can also lead to drowning. A knock to the head and losing consciousness is another cause. Any or all of these things can be prevented by making sure your scuba diving equipment is in good order before diving - by diving with a more experienced "buddy" - by diving with a local who knows the area well - by being in shape. Of course accidents still happen, but that is the nature of the beast.

Diving if you have any cardiovascular or lung complications are ill advised and can lead to an episode under water and possibly death. The best advice is to have a regular physical check, so that you are aware of any possible health related issues there may be.

Another cause of scuba diving fatalities is drifting. Experienced divers sometimes get swept up by currents and inexperienced divers are simply not constantly aware of your position and drift along until you are separated from their diving party. If this happens, you could well find yourself in danger, either from the marine life or because you are not able to rejoin your party and are lost at sea.

Overconfidence when you first begin diving can lead to your downfall and so it is always recommended that you follow the safety rules carefully and always stay with your partner or buddy when diving.