Sad Story

[sailorgirl]

http://www.onepaper.com/stjohnvi/?v=d&i ... 1189224464

[Bug]

That is very sad. Unfortunetly, I think it happens more than we all would believe.

When I was on island in April someone drowned. He was off a cruise boat. Two years ago when I was on island someone who was vacation on STJ drowned.

I think people get so caught up in the beauty they forget their safety rules. That is why I NEVER snorkel alone! So, hopefully this post will remind you all of the same.

XOXO
Bug

[chrisn]

Yes, I think we can all get caught up in the beauty and majesty of the islands and forget that the ocean is a very powerful place.

Snorkel vests, floaties, noodles, swim belts won't hurt to use!

[sea-nile]

VERY sad story.

[jimg20]

Although they gave the cause of death as drowning, I wonder if it was something else. They did not describe someone having trouble swimming. Even though the result is the same, he could have had a heart attack.

JIM

[StJohnRuth]

Several months ago another visitor from Finland died while snorkeling. Also a very sad story. The follow-up in the Tradewinds this week was kind of interesting, though.

http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com//in ... 6&Itemid=1

Our condolences go out to both families.
-Ruth

[alw1977]

Very sad. When we were on our New Horizons trip we stopped at the Baths, hooked up to a mooring ball, and started the swim in. One guy thought he didn't need fins, so he just jumped in and went for it. About halfway to shore he started to panic and started saying "I'm not gonna make it." My husband and another guy went over near him to encourage him and I swam ahead to show him just how close he was to being able to stand. It was very scary - he totally panicked. We eventually got him to a rock where he was able to hang on, calm down, and recover some energy.

Panic in water is a scary thing and very common. Know your limits and always snorkel with a buddy.

As an aside... I think it's odd that he drowned with a snorkel in his mouth. When I have a snorkel and fins on, I can just hover at the top without expending energy. Sounds like this guy might have choked on some water and panicked or something. Very sad for his family and all involved.

[tjwgrr]

....One guy thought he didn't need fins, so he just jumped in and went for it. About halfway to shore he started to panic and started saying "I'm not gonna make it." My husband and another guy went over near him to encourage him and I swam ahead to show him just how close he was to being able to stand. It was very scary - he totally panicked. We eventually got him to a rock where he was able to hang on, calm down, and recover some energy.

Panic in water is a scary thing and very common. Know your limits and always snorkel with a buddy.....

Also remember- a panicked and distressed swimmer can be very dangerous to the person trying to rescue them. In their panic, a distressed swimmer may try to grab a hold of you in order to push them self up by pushing you down. A flotation device should be thrown to the victim so the victim grabs the object before grabbing you. Approaching a panicked or distressed swimmer without a flotation device should really only be done by individuals trained to properly approach and react to the victim.