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The aging of the scuba diving population as well as an increased rate of cardiac-related deaths with age in scuba divers are becoming important concerns. Last year on June 18th, the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) sponsored the Medical Examination of Diving Fatalities Symposium. At the symposium SCD (Sudden Cardiac Death) while scuba diving was extensively discussed. According to an article by DAN, "Cardiac causes were suspected in one-quarter to one-third of all recreational diving accidents in recent decades."

What are the causes of diving fatalities?

According to DAN, there are four main reasons divers die in scuba accidents:

1. Poor Health - 20 percent
2. Environmental Issues - 32 percent
3. Procedural Errors - 26 percent - These include rapid ascents, buoyancy control problems, general skill limitations, failure to take decompression stops, equalization problems, and failure to properly monitor breathing gas supply.
4. Problems with Equipment - 22 percent

Who is at the greatest risk?

In a review of 814 diving fatalities by DAN, it found that the greatest number of diving fatalities occurred in older divers with 70 percent drowning and 14 percent suffering heart attacks.

Why are older divers most at risk?

Experts from Diving Medicine On Line, Alert Diver On Line, and ColoradoDivers.com concur that older divers are most at risk because of:

Heart and circulation: Diving exposes divers' bodies to various stressors such as immersion, exposure to cold, increased partial pressure of oxygen and increased work of breathing. Older people, especially those with structural cardiovascular changes and weaker function, are at greater risk of adverse reactions to these stresses.

Increased risk of fractures. Stooping, bending, climbing and stretching are all necessary when diving; the reduced flexibility that occurs with aging limits some of these motions. Aging also causes weakening of the bones (osteoporosis).

Reduced visual acuity: It is fairly common to experience reduced visual acuity, especially near field vision, as we age. Reduced ability to focus on nearby objects presents a significant problem for divers. You may not be able to read your gauges underwater -a potentially life threatening situation.

Decompression sickness (“the bends”) increases with age. This may be due to decreased tissue perfusion and arthritic changes in the joints.

Hypothermia: The older diver is more prone to hypothermia due to decreased tissue perfusion (the flow of blood through arteries and capillaries delivering nutrients and oxygen to cells and removing cellular waste products) decreased fat stores and decreased metabolism.

Reduced physical strength: Inability to self rescue due to decreased strength from muscle atrophy. Agility, flexibility and strength, or lack of these, also play a role in what happens underwater.

Whatever diving sources one reads or listens to, they all recommend that divers, especially those over 40, must maintain a regular routine of exercise designed to maintain sufficient cardiovascular fitness. This means sustained exercise for at least 20 minutes at least three times a week.

FL-KeysDiving.com says, "Don't Be a Statistic." Here are seven tips for divers to avoid accidents:

• Dive within the limits of your training.
• Get the right gear suitable for older divers such as easier-to-read gauges, valves which are easier to turn "on" and "off", lighter weight equipment.
• Take a refresher course.
• Get rescue certified.
• Practice safety skills. Stay in shape for diving. See your doctor about any medical condition that may limit your ability to dive safely.
• Stay within your personal safety envelope. Don't make any dive you're not comfortable with.
• Never dive without a qualified diving buddy.

Managing health, evaluating the environment before diving, maintaining equipment, and following standard safety procedures may reduce diver's risks of becoming a statistic.

"Not all scuba diving deaths are caused by the health conditions of the diver. Some are caused by equipment failure due to poor maintenance and/or design, irresponsibility on the part of the diving company or boat owners/operators, and other causes for which you may be entitled to compensation for such things as current and future medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering. Our experts at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. have the experience to determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit," said Fort Myers Attorney Randall Spivey.

Southwest Florida Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.