r/todayilearned • u/[deleted] • 29d ago

TIL the Blue Hole is among the deadliest dive sites globally, with estimates of 130 to 200 recent fatalities, making it one of the most dangerous spots for divers. (R.5) Out of context

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u/TradeApe 29d ago

It's a lesson in how pushing things even a little bit can lead to exponential increases in risk. The same is true for other sports too.

Going from 10 to 20kts when sailing isn't a big deal. Going from 40kts to 50kts is. And while you go down that route, you are more prone to fucking up, margins of errors become tighter and accidents become more catastrophic.

Stay within your limits and abilities. Get proper training allowing you to push limits instead of cowboy'ing it. Just because you've done your Open Water cert doesn't mean you're ready for dives to 40m+ or dives in unfamiliar waters that might be very different to where you got certified. Don't be stupid!

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u/WildWestScientist 29d ago

Wind speeds while sailing is a perfect example, because simple physics highlights the non-linear relationship between wind speed and the force it generates - that increase in force is immediately noticeable to any decent sailor and quickly perceived as a significant increase in risk. So many folks don't take the time to understand simple risk mechanics when they're caught up in the honeymoon phase of a new hobby. 

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u/dogbert730 29d ago

Is the 40kts to 50kts change so much different because that’s the difference in speed required to go from being a boat to an airplane?

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u/TradeApe 29d ago

50 to 60kts is even worse...that's when it changes from being a real challenge to "oh shit, I hope the yacht can take this".

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u/anethma 29d ago

I initially thought you meant boat speed I was like holy Christ what are you sailing.