Diving accidents have risen by 10% in the last two years. That’s according to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The figures are the highest for the last 12 years. In 2003 the number of people who died in diving incidents in Britain doubled.
Scilly has a good record for diving safety.
The coastguard also revealed that the number of divers who suffered from “the bends” had decreased.
The last case of a diver suffering from this on Scilly was in 2002.
Reporting on last years diving activities, Ken Bazeley, National Diving Liaison Officer for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency told Scilly News:
“The evidence shows that the increase in the figures is mainly due to last years good weather leading to an increased number of people taking part in diving activities and that a large number of the incidents in 2003 were preventable. Our concern remains that there are, still far too many deaths and medical related incidents caused by rapid ascents, missed decompression stops and divers suffering decompression sickness.”
Ken Bazeley said that there are some safety precautions they can take:
• Carry out boat and safety checks before departing. • Thoroughly plan the dive and make sure everyone in the party is aware of emergency procedures. • Pay special attention to ascent rates and decompression stops. • Always dive well within the limits of the weakest/most inexperienced person in the party.