## How Many Deaths a Year from Scuba Diving?
Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by millions of people around the world. However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved in scuba diving, including the risk of death.
According to the Divers Alert Network (DAN), there were 160 scuba diving fatalities worldwide in 2019. This number represents a slight decrease from the previous year, when there were 164 scuba diving fatalities.
The majority of scuba diving fatalities occur in the United States, which accounted for 42% of all fatalities in 2019. The next highest number of fatalities occurred in Egypt, with 10 fatalities, followed by Mexico, with 9 fatalities.
The most common cause of scuba diving fatalities is drowning, which accounted for 58% of all fatalities in 2019. Other common causes of death include decompression sickness (DCS), equipment failure, and heart attack.
## Risk Factors for Scuba Diving Fatalities
There are a number of risk factors that can increase the risk of a scuba diving fatality, including:
Inexperience: Inexperienced divers are more likely to make mistakes that can lead to a fatal accident.
Poor training: Divers who are not properly trained are more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
Diving alone: Diving alone increases the risk of a fatal accident, as there is no one to help you if something goes wrong.
Diving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Diving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and increase your risk of a fatal accident.
Pre-existing medical conditions: Divers with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, may be more likely to experience a fatal accident.
## How to Reduce Your Risk of a Scuba Diving Fatality
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of a scuba diving fatality, including:
Get properly trained: Take a scuba diving course from a reputable instructor.
Gain experience: Dive with experienced divers and in a variety of conditions.
Never dive alone: Always dive with a buddy.
Avoid diving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and increase your risk of a fatal accident.
Be aware of your physical limits: Do not dive beyond your limits.
Be aware of the diving environment: Be aware of the water conditions, weather conditions, and other hazards.
Scuba diving is a safe and enjoyable activity when proper precautions are taken. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of a scuba diving fatality.
## Conclusion
Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved, including the risk of death. By taking precautions, such as getting properly trained, gaining experience, and never diving alone, you can reduce your risk of a scuba diving fatality.
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