RECREATIONAL DIVERS

Rapid Ascents

It is a physiological fact that if a diver inflates his lungs in three feet of water and holds his breath while coming to the surface, the diver can sustain a serious and even fatal lung expansion injury. Also, when nitrogen which comprises 79% of the air we breathe is compressed during a dive, a slow ascent to the surface is needed to prevent the formation of nitrogen bubbles resulting in what is known as the "bends." Accordingly, a slow breathing ascent is essential to safely return to the surface following even a shallow recreational scuba dive.

For this reason, a panicked rush to the surface because of some actual or perceived problem carries with it the potential for serious injury or death. Divers can be injured hanging on an anchor line in 10 feet of water if the anchor line is whipped upward with wave swells. Divers can be injured if they have not truly mastered buoyancy control and simply over inflate a buoyancy control vest or dry suit and go rushing to the surface. This same danger exists, of course, if the valve in the dry suit or buoyancy control device sticks due to poor maintenance.

Injuries and deaths due to rapid ascents constitute one of the most frequent sources of diver injuries and fatalities. A careful examination of the facts involved in each case is necessary in order to determine precisely what caused the rapid ascent. Unfortunately, poor training often lies at the bottom of such an action. We can help you find out what went wrong.

To speak with an attorney, please call us at 1-877-266-3694 ext. 13 or email us at Do I Have A Case.