Eagles Nest to Repeat?

[victorzamora]

I think I need to mention a few things here. I do not like it, I do not condone it, and I would not want to take my child into a cavern at 10yrs old. However, I think that comparing this to the Eagle's Nest disaster is reaching a little bit. First of all, they're well within rec depth limits. Secondly, even if the dad wasn't a Cave Instructor, he's still much more qualified than OW-only. When I was that kid's age, I did a few dives to >80ft. I'm now 6'6" (which the doctors estimated at age 3). If it stunted my growth, then I'm not upset about it .

However, rules were broken and that shouldn't have happened. And then the chest-thumping. That's NOT a great attitude to have. Fairly indicative of a scary attitude to have. My dad let me grow up doing a lot of dumb things and making a lot of my own mistakes. However, I was not allowed to breach any set of agreed upon rules or standards in doing so....including age limits, even though I was always big for my age. I guess that's really what this comes down to.

[Tegg]

While I don't have an issue with a 10 year old diving (heck, that's how old I was when I started diving)--I do have a serious issue with someone taking a 10 year old who isn't, and cannot at that age be cavern certified into the cavern at Peacock--which is in direct violation of park rules. That's the real issue.

This is the only real issue.

No one here can/should critique his parenting. Hell, my kids are already fish in water, and will probably be diving if they want to at an age when I (as the parent) decide they are ready.

The ones on here questioning his parental choices should honestly step back. It's obvious he cares for his kids and takes good care of them, unlike a LOT of parents we see daily in our routines. Who are "we" to judge that?

There is no data that suggests what he is doing is inherently dangerous except for a few items of concern. Maybe those items of concern were not thought out, maybe they were. That's on him.

The only issue at hand here is that he had taken his child to a State Park which has clearly posted rules. Those rules include showing certifications (placing on the dash) for all of those who wish to do the dives allowed on the park property. If he did not do that (show the c-card) for his son, then he was in violation. Simple as that.

Do I agree with all the hoopla around this? Not really. Was it bound to happen? Sure. He had to have expected it. The minimum age for the majority of agencies for cave training is 18 years old. Some have gotten waivers for 16. Some agencies may even allow younger (14).

Don't kid yourself, he knew this kind of reaction was possible and may have been seeking it. Who knows. Either way, he will know that when he returns to a State Park with his son, he will need his certification to be displayed. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less.

Is this how everyone else sees it?

This "See Something, Say Something" thing is what caused this hoopla. When all that was needed was a simple conversation with the father (which doesn't sound like something that happened) to remind him that the state requires that the rules be followed on state park property. Pretty simple, eh?

[bamafan]

I am sure. I called a buddy and verified it before I posted it. Unless it is 2 people with the same name working for the same company. He was in a white company van the day I met him. I have heard other stories but this was the one and only time I met him. His attitude from his post speaks volumes in my opinion. Sounds like the rules are only for others. I can't believe the many certification agencies he teaches for aren't disassociating themselves from him. He never offered proof that his son was certified only that it's okay because of his qualifications and experience. The kid is probably a better diver than me but at least I am legal to dive at Peacock. I have broken some rules and sneaked into some sites that aren't open for one reason or another but if I was ever caught I would have owned up to it. I definitely wouldn't have said it is okay because of my experience or training. What do you tell a cop when you get caught speeding? Oh it's okay I am professional race car driver. I tell them the truth I wasn't paying attention or I was late for something. In my opinion he would have been better off saying my bad I didn't think things through. Now if some agency will allow a 10 year old kid to be certified in cavern diving then that is a completely different set of circumstances but since he has offered no proof I am leaning towards the assumption the kid is not certified.

[Benthic]

People need to learn to mind their own business...

Brian

[skip]

I wrote out about 50 sentences in four paragraphs...then deleted it. Benthic said it much better.

+1

skip

[JohnAd]

People need to learn to mind their own business...

Brian

I wrote out about 50 sentences in four paragraphs...then deleted it. Benthic said it much better.

+1

skip

I am detecting dissension in "see something, say something" land.

[amphipod06]

I am detecting dissension in "see something, say something" land.

Clearly the person in question is aware of current events and public opinion.

He obviously read the thread and stated his position.

Something was seen and something was said (and said over and over again, do I detect a dead horse here?-no pun intended).

+2 on minding your own business...

Dive safe,

Celia

[Greenwood_60]

I agree with minding your own business, except that there is an obvious violation of the property owners rules. Land owner relations extend to state parks every bit as much a private property.

[gsxr1997]

We have consulted with Diving Scientists at the University of Florida, Florida State University, and other Universities with concerns of his developing skeletal structure with the possibilities of nitrogen bubble damage to tissue and skeletal system. All are in agreement with what we are doing at depths above 70 ffw, and a slightly elevated PO2 for short periods.


Marty Watson[/QUOTE]

As a fellow NAUI instructor,I would be interested to know who these scientists are and if they are validated by studies(not!)
I personally will not train any student less than 12 years of age ....

[Shocky]

I have a flash for all of you. Minding your own business and butting out HAS NEVER BEEN APPROPRIATE for this sport. Since my first scuba dive in 1963, it has always been understood and ingrained in everyon during instruction, that we are stewards responsible for policing our sport, less the gov. steps in with the real scuba police and does it for us! To knowlingly violate the established rules, particularly on state property, is just inviting further regulation and/or restriction! So there, let your conscience be your guide.