Quarry Deaths Spotlight Safety

“This is a sport where if you don't know what you're doing, you could get yourself seriously hurt or killed”

Why are so many divers dying at the Gilboa Quarry? This weekend saw the fourth death there in as many months. via WNWO-TV Toledo

[diver]

It is a nice site where you can to dive, platforms for Open water class and etc.
Yes, there isn't any place safe like Gilboa and with this rapid response first aid, EMS and Heli.
Until there are more facts available, no one should speculate.
One dead it was for an heart attack......

[Maxienne]

My husband and I are regular divers in NW Ohio, although we do not dive Gilboa.
I think it is important to remember that these are three separate incidents, not necessarily related in anyway to the quarry itself. Two deaths related to equipment failure and diver inexperience (maybe at least just familiarity with ice-diving @ Gilboa). One death related to diver health, he suffered a heart attack. This third death, again, seems to point toward diver inexperience (breakdown of the buddy system?), but cause of death is still unknown at this time.
While diving has the potentional to be labeled a dangerous sport, knowledge and experience can be the best precaution against accidents. Each dive should be planned out and prepared for.
Either way, a certified diver (by ANY of the major cert agencies - PADI, NAUI, YMCA, ETC - not your 'resort' certifications) knows the risks associated with the sport, that is why they spend the money and time to get certified properly. Just like driving a car, we know the risk of accident is there everytime we get behind the steering wheel. Practice, experience and training makes you a better diver and a better driver... but there is no guarantee to guard against accidents in either activity.

[John Columbus ohio]

I dive at Gilboa quite often. I was there when this last accident happened. The details surrounding the cause as still unknown. Diving is only as dangerous as divers want it to be. Maintain equipment yearly and exersise the basics no matter how experienced you are are key points in preventing accidents. The buddy system all divers learn has to be followed at all times. Remember, "a skill learned" is just that. But "a skill practiced is a skill mastered"

These situations happen. As divers we know this. I hate to see the media blow things out of purportion due to misunderstanding of the sport. These situations only make me more and more aware of my preparations prior to , durring and after each dive.

I do not think for a minute the quarry has been at fault in any of the accidents this year. Dive within your comfort and skill level.

[janet orner]

i learned to skin dive at the gilboa quarry. am 12 years old . i know the owner well mike was always making sure i was safe. i hope every thing go well for mike and jodi.

[whatshanging]

Why are so many divers dying at the Gilboa Quarry?
Because they feel at home there and they can choose their headstone from the depths?