Press Notice No: 47-09
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Posted 14:52 GMT

Numbers of diving related incidents remained at low levels during 2008 according to Coastguard diving statistics released today.

During 2008, the UK Coastguard dealt with 166 diving related incidents including cases of decompression illness, medical emergencies and broken down vessels. Sadly eight fatalities were recorded.

The greatest single type of incident is still decompression illness (DCI) which accounts for 65 incidents. A further 33 incidents are attributed to rapid ascent, which may have developed into DCI.

Make sure that you are well qualified and experienced before diving, says Ken Bazeley, National Diving Liaison Officer for Her Majestys Coastguard.

Keep a close eye on the weather and sea conditions and make personal fitness a top priority for safe diving. Familiarise yourself with new or different gear before diving and ensure that you dive within your limits.

If you would like to remind yourself about key safety points visit our website and watch our diving video podcast.
Notes to Editors:
1. A pdf file of the 2008 report can be downloaded from www.gnn.gov.uk attached to this release or by emailing ken.bazeley@mcga.gov.uk
2. These statistics are related to only those incidents in which HM Coastguard were contacted.
3. A video podcast on recreational diving can be found at the following link on our website http://www.mcapodcasts.co.uk

Posted By: Fred Caygill

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401