MARITIME AND
COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (47-09) issued by COI News
Distribution Service. 10 March 2009
Numbers of diving
related incidents remained at low levels during 2008 according to
Coastguard diving statistics released today.
During 2008, the UK Coastguard dealt with 166 diving related
incidents including cases of decompression illness, medical
emergencies and broken down vessels. Sadly eight fatalities were recorded.
The greatest single type of incident is still decompression
illness (DCI) which accounts for 65 incidents. A further 33
incidents are attributed to rapid ascent, which may have developed
into DCI.
"Make sure that you are well qualified and experienced
before diving," says Ken Bazeley, National Diving Liaison
Officer for Her Majesty's Coastguard.
"Keep a close eye on the weather and sea conditions and make
personal fitness a top priority for safe diving. Familiarise
yourself with new or different gear before diving and ensure that
you dive within your limits.
"If you would like to remind yourself about key safety
points visit our website and watch our diving video podcast."
Notes to Editors:
1. A pdf file of the 2008 report can be
downloaded from http://nds.coi.gov.uk attached to this release or
by emailing ken.bazeley@mcga.gov.uk
2. These statistics are related to only those incidents in which
HM Coastguard were contacted.
3. A video podcast on recreational diving can be found at the
following link on our website http://www.mcapodcasts.co.uk
For further information please contact
Maritime and
Coastguard Agency Press Office, on: (023) 8032 9401
Press releases and further information about the Agency is
available on the Web at http://www.mcga.gov.uk