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I read in the gleaner that the found a body floating in the water near the westend the other night. Has anybody heard if the identified the person yet? What a sad thing to happen to someone on vacation. If in fact they were there on vacation and not a resident. Either way its horrible and a reminder to all of us who spend time in the water that you should never be out there alone or at the very least have someone on the shore to keep an eye on you incase something happens to you.
The person was found in water nearing the lighthouse..
His identity is known. Until the family, if any, can be notified, please be respectful
No rumors or speculation. And that is great advice Irieonline! Please make sure someone knows you are heading into the sea.
I don't know if it was the case here and will not speculate as to the cause but I learned many years ago to never snorkel after you have been drinking.
Condolences go out to this person's family.
Why not? If its getting stomach sick, that's not a great reason. I've puked through my regulator scuba diving in heavy seas. Its not at all uncommon. And that's at 100 feet below the water's surface....with today's modern snorkel design, aspiration of seawater is quite rare....Quote:
Originally Posted by halfwaytree
RockRobster, we are not all experienced scuba divers, like yourself.
A novice, who is not an experienced snorkeler and who may only try it when vacationing at a resort can get into serious trouble if they find themselvest in the wrong situation while drunk. I'm not just talking about vomiting, I'm talking about actually being able to be aware and controlling your body to react to any situation. Same thing goes for drinking and cliff jumping. Not a smart idea!!!
Totally agree with the drunk cliff jumping. And that's because the natural loss of balance from alcohol intoxication will cause awkward, painful and potentially paralyzing water entries!Quote:
Originally Posted by halfwaytree
That said, I suppose nobody should walk drunk. Or swim drunk. Or snorkel drunk.
But, how many people go on booze cruises/snorkel boats and have a great time snorkeling? If you aren't a strong swimmer, wear a vest. If you are totally ****e-faced, wear a vest. If you've had a few? Well, wear a vest if it makes you feel better....but if you are too drunk to swim, you are too drunk to snorkle and the decision to get in the water was beyond foolish....
Yet people do. That was my point!Quote:
Originally Posted by RockRobster
Random guess that those on here who call out have partaked for what they preach against....
wasn't mi............
most locals here when dem go swimming or go snorkeling.....usually go in pairs or groups......
but many times us tourist go out by ourselves........mi included......but mi a seasoned snorkeler.......
if mi had to wait for a snorkeling partner everyday.....mi would get in very likkle snorkeling.....
and the main reason mi live here......is to snorkel......
mi condolences go out to the snorkelers family......sad mon
Cool Runnings, Marko
Glad to hear it wasnt you Marko. When i first reqd the article i first thought of you because i know you snorkel every day of the shore in the west end. I try to go daily of the beach at canoe bar and go by myself most of the time. Sometimes my gf sits on the beach while i do my thing in the water and the rest of the time the ladies at canoe bar know i am out there but one can never be to safe. I do take precautions like always go early in the mornings when the water is calm and there is usually other people snorkeling there as well. A few times i followed the fishermen with their spearguns around so if something did happen to me help is never to far away.
Sometimes accidents happen. Victim blaming is not always the best thing. If people were meant to survive easily in the water, they would be born in the water not on the land. It was probably an accident.Quote:
From 2005-2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States — about ten deaths per day.1 An additional 332 people died each year from drowning in boating-related incidents.2
I dont think anyone was blaming the victim here. Think people were just pointing out that it can be dangerous and there are many different ways a person can get into trouble and possibly die in the water. Its very unfortunate and sad no matter how it happened and my heart goes out to the victims family. For all the boardies here who do snorkel and partake in different activities in and around the waters in Jamaica please use common sence and be safe. If you cant go with a partner please tell someone where you are going and maybe also tell them how long you expect to be. Have fun and be safe ;)
Gotta agree with flip here... I do it alone often and sometimes I've been a bit buzzed...more often sober in the morning ...... I agree with the fact that this was more than likely an accident... At the end of the day, it is about personal responsibility... Like many of us, I'm an experienced snorkler and I can judge the water... Many can't.. To the newcomers I strongly suggest heeding the advice of much of the above and tell someone... Personally, I like to go it alone and there is always someone who knows... Gotta tip someone to watch the cellphone and wallet!
Yes...good to hear as this was my first thought as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Irieonline
had a great snorkel yesterday as usual.....from Pe Wees to the Spa and back.....no fins.....who needs dem.....lol
Cool Runnings, Marko
There aren't any real currents to speak of in that area, so not really necessary per se, but I never encourage anyone into deep water without fins. The first time you hit a real current could be the last.
For those that snorkel/ swim alone with no flotation device. Alcohol. Dehydration. = leg cramps. Cramps will take down the best of swimmers.