Diver #5 drowns in 2007 abalone season

Hukk · Post by **Hukk** » Fri May 04, 2007 6:45 pm

The link contains a rather graphic video of a dead man being "rescued". Helicopter rescues were developed here along the Sonoma County Coast.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/pla ... =823374118

The ocean looks very rough, I would not dive in this, of course. By looking at how much "white" is around the rocks experienced divers would call this a washing machine. In years past, I would swim around the rocks to a safer area and then dive. He was more than likely in a calmer area, drowned and drifted here. This looks to be a little rougher than usual. Just pick a good area (different) to dive in on this day. Abalone season always starts on April Fools Day (appropriate) but you have until November 30 to get 24 abalone (3 per day and 3 in possesion) with July closed. That's 7 months to limit out. I'll wait until September and October. There is some really great diving in those 2 months and it is much calmer. (need to wait for a torn rotator cuff to be fixed anyway).
This is what we locals call "Sacrameto Syndrome", people get up at 3:00 AM and leave the central valley to go diving and feel as if they need to bring something home or they have wasted thier time. (Travel 3-4 hours each way)

This guy is #5 here that died on the coast while diving. There is talk about having mandatory classes before an abalone license is issued. All the classes in the world will not help, at all. People will still dive where they are not supposed to. All the classes in the world are not going to teach common sense. I don't mean to sound cruel or uncaring, as a diver with over 30 years experience, I can tell you that kind of thinking is standard.

Gr8Scout · Post by **Gr8Scout** » Sat May 05, 2007 12:57 pm

Five divers already? How many usually die per season? One is too many.

I was certified to dive in 1975, when living in Florida. Calmer seas and lobster was my goal. Or just enjoying the reefs. A great hobby, but Michigan's cold-low visibility waters make it less fun.

You be careful, ok?

Phil

sunburst · Post by **sunburst** » Sat May 05, 2007 1:18 pm

Wow, thanks Hukk for sharing that interesting story. It's sad about the results of this diver and hopefully many will learn from this event, including those who are on the edge of "no common sense".

And yes please be careful....

Sunburst

Hukk · Post by **Hukk** » Sat May 05, 2007 3:52 pm

Only one diver died in 2006, 5 in a month is a record, actually 5 in a year is considered a lot. I drove out there once this year, looked at the ocean and asked myself is it divable. Yes!

Do you want to dive in this for your first dive after 2 knee surgeries and need another surgery again on my right rotator cuff? NO!

I drove home, guys I know that were going out were giving me strange looks, "He limit already"? It's a long season, I'll wait until September or October, my favorite months to dive. The ocean is calmer, more kelp though, just be careful. Unlike most others, I'm not afraid to turn around and go home, no shame in being smart.

There are lifeguards and rangers out the warning people not to go in the water. Most will respond in thsi manner, "Don't tell me what to do, I've been diving xx years and I drove 3 hours to get here". If you watched the video those were lifeguards (2) waiting there in the shallows near the end of the video.

I know the mentality of divers, a safety class would just make them more confident. I know more now so I can do this. Personally, I think (read-know) the well intentioned and unknowing would just create more casualties.

Thanks to all for your concerns, I'll wait for my favotite months!