Posted by Joseph H. Catmull on August 19, 2000 at 14:57:01:
In Reply to: Several lessons to learn posted by Jusfer aka Eins on August 19, 2000 at 08:42:18:
Excellent suggestions by Jusfer. Remember to be cautious until you are experienced, and then be really cautious.
I would only clarify one of Jusfer's comment by stating that if you're _ever_ in that kind of trouble, remember your training: drop your weight belt, and inflate the BC. If you can ditch the equipment, all the better (although in your situation you were likely occupied trying to survive). Even if you're in the surf, my opinion is it's better to bob like a cork on the surface than sink like a stone.
In a rather notorious event a few months ago on a local boat, a diver apparently made it to the surface to signal distress, but failed to drop the weight and inflate. Before the divemaster could get to him, he slipped under the water and disappeared into the 800' depths. I doubt they ever found him. Terrible shame.