## Scuba Diving Fatalities in 2016
Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity, but it can be dangerous. In 2016, there were 44 scuba diving fatalities in the United States, according to the Divers Alert Network (DAN). This number is down from 53 in 2015, but it is still higher than the average number of fatalities over the past decade.
### Causes of Scuba Diving Fatalities
The most common cause of scuba diving fatalities is drowning, which accounted for 23 of the 44 deaths in 2016. Other common causes include:
Cardiac events (10 deaths)
Pulmonary embolism (5 deaths)
Decompression sickness (3 deaths)
Other medical conditions (3 deaths)
### Risk Factors for Scuba Diving Fatalities
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of scuba diving fatalities, including:
Age: Divers over the age of 50 are more likely to die while scuba diving than younger divers.
Experience: Divers with less than 100 dives are more likely to die while scuba diving than more experienced divers.
Health: Divers with certain health conditions, such as heart disease or asthma, are more likely to die while scuba diving.
Environmental conditions: Diving in cold water, deep water, or strong currents can increase the risk of fatalities.
### How to Reduce the Risk of Scuba Diving Fatalities
There are a number of things that divers can do to reduce the risk of fatalities, including:
Get trained and certified by a reputable organization.
Dive with a buddy.
Stay within your limits.
Be aware of the risks of scuba diving.
Take a diving medical exam before diving.
Use proper equipment and maintain it regularly.
Dive in safe conditions.
### Conclusion
Scuba diving can be a safe and enjoyable activity, but it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to reduce them. By following the safety guidelines outlined above, divers can help to ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
## Additional Resources
[Divers Alert Network](https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/)
[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)](https://www.noaa.gov/)
[Underwater Sports Federation](https://www.usfdive.com/)
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