DAN Annual Diving Report 2012-2015 Edition

Abstract

Since the DAN “Report on 1987 Diving Accidents” first appeared, DAN has monitored diving deaths, injuries and treatments. Data on diver demographics and diving practices have informed the diving community and identified at risk groups, unsafe behaviors and emerging hazards, for example the rise in lion fish envenomations. In recent years it has become apparent that our average age is increasing and, with that, DAN is receiving more reports of cardiovascular-related fatalities and questions to the Medical Services Call Center concerning cardiovascular matters. The majority of diving fatalities in this report were over 40 years of age and more than half were over 50. Today, perhaps more than ever, fitness to dive is critical in recreational diving. The average Body Mass Index of the fatalities within this year’s report is in keeping with that of the average American, but that should not be grounds for complacency. The demands associated with scuba diving can increase rapidly and unexpectedly. It is when these unexpected demands occur that fit and healthy divers are better equipped to survive than out-of-shape divers or those in poor health.