Do you talk about diving accidents with family and friends?

[oceancurrent]

I would say it out loud but most people around me (loved ones) don't want to hear about cave accidents so i keep my thoughts to myself.

This recent remark by Garth prompted me to contemplate the question of whether it is a good idea to discuss cave diving accidents with friends/family. Until only a year ago I used to share some of my thoughts on recent accidents with my diver wive (not active in cave diving). Instead of supporting my quest for safety improvement and learning, she always freaked out and tried to dissuade me from the sport. It's a purely emotional response that no amount of reasoning can overcome. So, I stopped telling her about the accidents altogether and now keep any discussion to myself and select cave diving friends to spare her and myself the drama.

Come to think about it, people who don't engage in cave diving are probably invariably going to react with "cave diving = suicide" type of emotion when learning about a fatality (with nothing good coming out of it). Heck, as an open water diver I myself was convinced for many years that diving in any overhead was instant suicide. This before I got eased into the sport by a generous mentor with the obligatory shift in perspective. The "overhead=suicide" mentality was being widely drilled by PADI and other agencies to all OW students during my early days as a diver. I suspect that this may have changed in recent years with cenote tour diving getting glamor treatment in the diving media and the "with proper training" bit coming into existence.

At any rate, I am curious to find out where others fall on the subject of sharing information/thoughts on cave accidents with friends and family.

[rddvet]

I share. Whats to hide? Its a dangerous sport but friends and family understand I weighed the risk: reward and respect my choice.
Edit: its also a good way to explain how I mitigate the risks whwn I explain ehat led to the fatality and why I do things to avoid increasing risk (ie things like not doing blind jumps)

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[oceancurrent]

I share. Whats to hide? Its a dangerous sport but friends and family understand I weighed the risk: reward and respect my choice.
Edit: its also a good way to explain how I mitigate the risks whwn I explain ehat led to the fatality and why I do things to avoid increasing risk (ie things like not doing blind jumps)

You are very fortunate to have such understanding friends/family! I come from a family of non-divers/non-pilots who are convinced that any of these activities, even in their most benign form are crazy irresponsible. No amount of reasoning and explaining of risks mitigation has had any effect on their views, so I have long given up. I am fortunate to have a far more understanding spouse. Even she has limits, however.

[rddvet]

You are very fortunate to have such understanding friends/family! I come from a family of non-divers/non-pilots who are convinced that any of these activities, even in their most benign form are crazy irresponsible. No amount of reasoning and explaining of risks mitigation has had any effect on their views, so I have long given up. I am fortunate to have a far more understanding spouse. Even she has limits, however.

Dont get me wrong. They think its nuts. But my other hobbies are private pilot, competetive practical shooting and kiteboarding, all of which have inherent risks. Im sure their view is all of my hobbies are nuts, but they know I dont care if they approve or not. But honestly the majority of times I?ve discussed a fatality they?ve learned. Between Carlos? death and the death of rodney?s grandkids, i feel like my family and friends know the importance of proper gas analysis and marking than most cave divers.


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[oceancurrent]

Thanks for the hijack, EBRAUN! Can we get back on topic now?

Dont get me wrong. They think its nuts. But my other hobbies are private pilot, competetive practical shooting and kiteboarding, all of which have inherent risks. Im sure their view is all of my hobbies are nuts, but they know I dont care if they approve or not.

Right on

By definition all members of the Nuts club don't care about approval. That's the way!

Good to know you fly too. Anyone who has any degree of aviation background would vigorously defend the need for accident reporting, so that makes total sense. Crazy to see that there are individuals out there who live in fear of potential litigation related to accident reports, yet have inserted themselves in position of gatekeepers.

Anyone else interested in chiming in on how they communicate (or not) accidents to family/friends?

[Nitrogenius]

You are very fortunate to have such understanding friends/family! I come from a family of non-divers/non-pilots who are convinced that any of these activities, even in their most benign form are crazy irresponsible. No amount of reasoning and explaining of risks mitigation has had any effect on their views, so I have long given up. I am fortunate to have a far more understanding spouse. Even she has limits, however.

i can totally relate

[EBRAUN]

I share. Whats to hide? Its a dangerous sport but friends and family understand I weighed the risk: reward and respect my choice.
Edit: its also a good way to explain how I mitigate the risks whwn I explain ehat led to the fatality and why I do things to avoid increasing risk (ie things like not doing blind jumps)

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Would you like to share the truth about the email?

[rddvet]

Would you like to share the truth about the email?

If you want to get into a pissing match I?d be happy to set up a time and we can discuss in person.


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[EBRAUN]

sure I would love yo finally put a name and face together. after all the issues you've apparently had with me it would be nice to talk in person.

[rddvet]

sure I would love yo finally put a name and face together. after all the issues you've apparently had with me it would be nice to talk in person.

I assumed this is Orie, but maybe its Beth. If Beth, we?ve met. Irregardless we know the same people, I?m sure you?ve already done your research. Hell yall tracked down my wife for my email info which she only shared because she thought it was related to the multitude of problems with my ginnie psss at the time.


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