Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

There are few experiences that give a person the opportunity to view the sea from such a miraculous perspective. Almost nothing can compare to the beauty and peace a SCUBA tank and an hour’s worth of air can provide. Unfortunately, the number of dive-related deaths in the U.S. and Canada averages around 80 per year with the most common causes being gas supply issues, emergency ascents, and cardiac events. Two of these common causes are entirely related to the diver’s level of training. The hazards of scuba diving are highly increased if the diver does not have adequate safety training or good equipment. When a diver experiences equipment failure, they may drown before they reach the surface.  If they ascend too rapidly, they can experience decompression sickness, also known as the bends, and may have to be placed in a hyperbaric chamber. Many places in the world do not have hyperbaric chambers, so if a diver needs one, they will have to be evacuated to the closest one. For these and other high-risk sports, you should consider adventure sports coverage.