Don't dive alone say cops

Photo: Getty Images.

RCMP in the Shuswap are urging scuba divers to use the buddy system following an incident Tuesday when emergency crews were called in due to an overdue diver.

Police and other emergency resources were called to Eagle Bay shortly after 10 a.m., after the owner of a property scuba diving alone to check out his dock did not surfaced at the expected time.

“While RCMP and the Chase police vessel were en route the man thankfully surfaced safe and sound. He had just lost track of time,” reports Staff Sgt. Scott West, commanding officer of the Salmon Arm detachment.

“In all sport diving courses, scuba divers are taught to use the buddy system and stay close to one another in case there is an equipment issue, physical issue, or a driver gets trapped or entangled in old ropes and lines,” said Scott. “It is never a good idea to dive alone.”

He said police, search and rescue and fire departments do not have divers on standby to perform an under-water rescue.

“In short, we are not equipped to perform this specialized rescue function and would be relying heavily on the military's search and rescue to dive after someone. Given their response time to our area from Comox any diver who is diving alone would be in serious jeopardy.

“We as the RCMP would urge all sport divers to use the buddy system and to never dive alone under any circumstances. It is a sport, so let's do it safely.”