It's a terrible thing. So remember the rules

Over and over again, this blog has discussed topics regarding the safety of scuba divers. This is because safety is undoubtedly the most important aspect of scuba diving. It should be at the top of a diver’s priority list above fun, pictures, memories, and experience.

Accidents are never a good thing. And the saddest thing when an accident happens is the fact that it could have been prevented. I have written posts concerning the best diving practices, tips on how to prevent injuries, taking care of diving equipment, and more. Today, I hope that every diver out there will develop a deeper sense of importance of these facts and tips as we watch, observe, and analyze the video below where a fellow diver lost his life in the sea.

On April 28, 2000, Yuri Lipski passed away during a dive in the Blue Hole of Dahal, Egypt. The video contains the actual footage of his fatal dive as it is carefully studied by diving specialists regarding the cause of this tragedy. Below the video is the summarization of the specialists’ insights along with some observations of my own.

-Within a few seconds after Yuri entered the water, the specialists immediately noticed that he was descending in an unusually fast manner. There is a possibility that Yuri might have too much weight on himself.

-Yuri started descending without his diving buddy. No matter how good or experienced you think you are, never explore the seas on your own. Because if something bad happens to you, no one will be there to back you up.

-According to the specialists, Yuri was an instructor himself. Everyone is susceptible to risks and dangers. Being an expert does not make you less vulnerable from accidents.

-Before the video reached two minutes, strange noises occurred. It is not clear whether it was a cry for help or a sound made from broken or breaking diving equipment. When these noises started, Yuri was still in a shallow position. Divers, when you feel something is wrong with your equipment, head for the surface immediately. If you continue to descend and your equipment was indeed broken, a precautionary ascent may become too late.

-The recommended maximum depth for divers is about 30 meters in one full tank of air, any deeper than that would be considered a risk. Yuri descended at the reached the bottom at around 91 meters. Though it is uncertain if his descent was intentional or accidental, no one should ever reach this depth.

-One of the specialists claim that Yuri was descending at a speed of about 30 meters per minute, a rate that is way faster than the normal recommended speed. At this rate, Yuri could have already suffered other internal injuries, making a safe ascent pretty hard.

-When Yuri reached the bottom, he began to panic as he lost control of his actions, his breathing and his equipment. He never made it to the surface. Panic will never help. Especially when you’re deep down under.

When I was at high school, there was a rule enforced where no one should play basketball shoeless on the poorly cemented floor. I disobeyed and played barefoot. One day, I had an accident where a huge strip of skin got literally ripped off from my heel. There is a famous saying regarding rules. It goes like this: “Rules are meant to be broken.” I believe breaking a couple of rules is not worth it when it results in the slightest risk of your only life.