I seem to think they are trying to play ostrich and keep their heads in the sand. They do not want to let others read about what has happened there, they just want to bury it and hope it all goes away.

Thank you Rick, Cheri, and Tammy for your real life accounts of near death experiences. I used to subscribe to a Scuba magazine, and it became so commercial with scuba destinations and green neon scuba gear that I let my prescriptin lapse. The only page I'd read was a regular column written by actual divers about how they got in trouble. It always impressed me that these situations didn't happen because of major problems, but by several minor situations, that became compounded. These minor situations were not respected, and these diver's would get in big trouble. I don't know what happened out there on that dive. Maybe no one does! It is a very serious, and unfortunately so easy, to assign blame when something happens like this. None of us were there. I would agree that a blue hole dive is not a dive for novices and/or "resort certified" guppies.

acbb - i am just like you. the first time i snorkeled was ramon's peir, and i was terrified! cheri & ss - you have lived thru my worst nightmare, literally.

my only comment is: that one of the profound troubles of this world (particularly the US)is the lack people's ability to take responsibility for their own actions. period.

rick said it well. in each situation, no one chained them up and made them go, it was a free choice.

Hey you all-
Thanks for the comments-- Cheri and I are doing well and we thank the big guy upstairs for that... But even though we all have some experiences that are not welcome to us, we do our best to survive.. Now look at last year with the hurricane.. Alot of people lost everything, including lives... But us up here joined together and made a fantasitic relief effort... I hope that when my wife and I finally move to the island that, that support is still there.. no matter what is going on... I guess what I'm trying to say is that everyone has their opinions about certain subjects, but when the dice are down, we all should bond together and do what it takes to get something done, and not to start alot of crap.. sorry my opinion... Don't mean to offend anyone.. One love....WE All can get along.. Sorry to be so fifififi, but We all love the island so we all should love each other... Thanks for listen... Rick

It's "Big Guy Upstairs". If you mean God.

Florian- I'm sorry I didn't put it in caps, but what are you lookin for, I fight my fights in a different forum... Rick

rickcheri, I thought you guys said you had a sense of humor? I'm reasonably sure it was intended as a humorous remark.

As you said, let's lighten up a bit.

You bet seashell, I'm smiling and winking!!!! LOL Rick

Rick & Cheri,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm so glad it turned out the way it did and that you're all OK. I was going to try to make it down for the Halloween bash, but circumstances seem to prevent - I'll probably be there earlier in Oct. Would still love to meet you guys sometime!

Florian,
I second the "don't give up" sentiment someone else (sorry, short term memory loss - scary for a 29yo) expressed. You've addressed many issues that people need to be aware of and consider. I for one am grateful and hope that when and if I take up diving it will be a safe and enjoyable experience b/c I will do my best to heed to all the good advice and warnings I've read from you & others. I also hope to work with a divemaster who considers it his/her responsibility that I am safe when diving with them. Looking forward to meeting you at the Tulsa party when/if it gets off the ground.

Ciao!

Rick & Cheri! I am so glad you are okay. I also was caught in a undertow in big waves here in California right next to the Huntington Beach Pier and almost did not make it. Luckely back than (10 years ago)I was super fit and swam out of it but almost did not make it. I was totally excausted and the waves kept dunking me. I was new to the Pacific Ocean and thought big waves are fun. Well now I have a different opinion on that. The whole time I was trying to get back to shore I just thought please no life guards. That would have been very embarassing being a German Tourist. I learned my lesson but still love the ocean. What does not kill you just makes you stronger!!!!