## How Many People Die Scuba Diving Per Year?
Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity that allows people to explore the underwater world. However, like any other activity, scuba diving comes with its own set of risks. One of the most serious risks is the possibility of death.
### How Many People Die Scuba Diving?
The exact number of people who die scuba diving each year is difficult to determine. This is because there is no central database that tracks all scuba diving fatalities. However, various organizations and agencies have conducted studies and surveys to estimate the number of scuba diving deaths.
One of the most comprehensive studies was conducted by the Divers Alert Network (DAN). DAN is a non-profit organization that provides emergency medical services and insurance to scuba divers. DAN’s study found that there were an average of 124 scuba diving fatalities per year between 2000 and 2019. This number includes both recreational and professional divers.
Another study, conducted by the University of California, San Diego, found that there were an average of 85 scuba diving fatalities per year between 2007 and 2016. This study only included recreational divers.
### Causes of Scuba Diving Deaths
The most common cause of scuba diving deaths is drowning. Drowning can occur if a diver becomes unconscious underwater and is unable to breathe. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including:
* **Equipment failure:** Malfunctioning or improperly maintained equipment can lead to drowning.
* **Human error:** Divers who make mistakes, such as not checking their equipment properly or diving beyond their limits, can also drown.
* **Medical conditions:** Divers with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or asthma, are at an increased risk of drowning.
Other causes of scuba diving deaths include:
* **Barotrauma:** Barotrauma is a condition that occurs when there is a change in pressure inside the body. This can happen if a diver ascends or descends too quickly. Barotrauma can cause a variety of injuries, including ear damage, sinus pain, and decompression sickness.
* **Decompression sickness:** Decompression sickness is a condition that occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the body. This can happen if a diver ascends too quickly from a deep dive. Decompression sickness can cause a variety of symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and paralysis.
* **Shark attacks:** Shark attacks are rare, but they do happen. Divers who are diving in areas where sharks are known to be present should take precautions to avoid being attacked.
### How to Reduce the Risk of Scuba Diving Deaths
There are a number of things that divers can do to reduce the risk of death. These include:
* **Getting proper training:** Divers should always get certified by a reputable scuba diving organization. This training will teach divers the basics of scuba diving and how to avoid common hazards.
* **Diving with a buddy:** Divers should never dive alone. Diving with a buddy can help to ensure that someone is there to assist in case of an emergency.
* **Using properly maintained equipment:** Divers should always inspect their equipment before each dive. This includes checking for leaks, frayed hoses, and other potential problems.
* **Diving within your limits:** Divers should know their limits and should not dive beyond them. This includes diving in conditions that are appropriate for their experience and certification level.
* **Being aware of the risks:** Divers should be aware of the risks of scuba diving and should take steps to avoid them. This includes being aware of the potential for equipment failure, human error, and medical conditions.
### Conclusion
Scuba diving is a safe and enjoyable activity, but it does come with its own set of risks. Divers can reduce the risk of death by getting proper training, diving with a buddy, using properly maintained equipment, diving within their limits, and being aware of the risks.
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