Every year, the British Sub-Aqua Club publishes its annual incident report, offering the clearest picture of how, where, and why divers encounter problems in UK waters and beyond. The 2024 edition is more than just a statistical overview; it is a mirror held up to the realities of modern diving. Beneath the charts and figures lie stories of experience, complacency, resilience, and, above all, lessons that every diver should take to heart.
A Snapshot of 2024
During the 2024 calendar year, BSAC recorded 331 diving incidents, including 92 overseas. Activity levels have now fully returned to those seen before the pandemic, and with that, the familiar patterns have re-emerged. Most incidents occurred between May and September, with a noticeable increase in reports extending into the colder months as more divers continued diving inland or pushed the season further into winter.
The overall number of UK incidents remains consistent with recent years, reflecting a steady state in diver participation. However, the figures reveal that while the volume of diving may be stable, the underlying causes of incidents tell an evolving story.
Twelve Lives Lost
Tragically, 12 divers lost their lives in UK waters in 2024. The average age of those who died was 57, and half of the fatalities involved either solo diving or buddy separation. In several cases, underlying health conditions such as cardiac issues played a role, while others highlighted problems with equipment configuration or gas management.
One case in particular stood out: a fatality involving an unregulated surface-supplied “hookah” system, where air was pumped to a diver from a small compressor floating on the surface. According to the BSAC Annual Diving Incident Report 2024, this incident reinforced serious safety concerns about using such equipment without proper training or certification. The warning is clear – divers should only use recognised systems and be fully trained in their operation.
Health, Fitness and Awareness
Medical issues remain one of the most significant contributors to diving incidents. The average age of divers continues to rise, and with it, the importance of honest self-assessment of health and fitness. High blood pressure, heart disease, and undiagnosed conditions have featured prominently once again.
BSAC’s data underlines a recurring message: even minor symptoms before a dive can be warning signs, and no diver is immune to risk, regardless of experience or qualification level. The report highlights that Dive Leaders and Advanced Divers, despite being a smaller portion of the diving population, are over-represented in incident data. Experience, it seems, can sometimes breed complacency.
The Silent Threat: Immersion Pulmonary Oedema
One of the most notable trends in recent years is the growing awareness of Immersion Pulmonary Oedema (IPO), a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs during immersion. Once primarily recognised in military divers, it is now acknowledged among recreational divers, snorkellers, and open-water swimmers.
In 2024, there was a rise in medically confirmed cases of IPO. According to BSAC’s analysis, this increase is not necessarily due to more cases occurring, but to improved awareness among divers and medical professionals. Symptoms such as breathlessness, confusion, coughing, or feeling as if a regulator has failed should never be ignored. Anyone who suspects IPO should exit the water immediately, seek medical attention, and not dive again until cleared by a doctor.
Ascent Control and Drysuit Issues
Buoyancy control remains a stubborn challenge in UK diving. The report documents multiple cases of divers losing control during ascent, particularly when using drysuits. In several instances, trapped air migrated to the legs or feet, causing uncontrolled feet-first ascents or even the loss of fins.
Eighteen such incidents have been recorded over the past two years. BSAC’s recommendation is direct: ensure drysuits are properly fitted, especially around the legs and boots, and that all divers have completed formal drysuit trainingbefore using them in open water. Proper weighting, regular checks of DSMB reels, and good gas management practices remain critical to avoiding dangerous ascents.
Decompression Incidents and Repeat Diving
Encouragingly, the report notes a continued decline in decompression illness (DCI) and rapid ascent incidents, likely reflecting improvements in buoyancy skills and dive planning. However, as more divers carry out multiple dives per day, repeat diving has become a more significant factor in DCI cases.
Many reported incidents involved divers who felt fine after their dives but developed symptoms hours later. The lesson is simple: always monitor for delayed symptoms, remain hydrated, and seek immediate medical advice if anything feels unusual.
Emergency Services and Prevention
In 2024, the RNLI responded to 29 diving-related callouts, and helicopters were deployed 25 times. BSAC emphasises that early calls for help save lives and that false alarms are far preferable to delayed responses. Many serious outcomes were prevented by prompt rescue actions, oxygen administration, and the involvement of trained first responders.
Key Takeaways for Divers
The 2024 report reinforces several key lessons that should stay front of mind for all divers:
- Complete proper training for all equipment used, particularly drysuits and rebreathers.
- Never dive alone or push conditions beyond comfort or training level.
- Maintain regular fitness and medical checks.
- Recognise and act immediately on symptoms of IPO or DCI.
- Plan dives conservatively and always account for repeat dives.
Ultimately, the findings from the BSAC Annual Diving Incident Report 2024 remind us that diving safety is not about avoiding risk entirely, but about understanding it, preparing for it, and responding to it effectively. With sound judgment and continued education, every diver can help make the next report shorter, safer, and more encouraging than the last.
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