Scuba diving is full of adventure, beauty, and sometimes, unexpected challenges. A year ago, I experienced one of those challenges firsthand when a simple dive turned into an accident that left me with an open trimalleolar fracture in my ankle (that basically means I broke broke my ankle).

It was a tough experience, but also a powerful reminder of why dive buddies, emergency services, and dive insurance are absolutely essential for every diver.

The Day Everything Went Wrong

What started as a normal dive at our beloved A-frame dive site, ended with a misstep on slippery rocks during the exit. I didn’t feel any pain, but I knew immediately that my leg was broken. My ankle was visibly out of place, and I decided to wait on the rocks for help.

Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. My False Bay Underwater Club dive buddies stayed calm and took charge of the situation. They helped me out of my heavy gear, kept me warm and comfortable, and stayed by my side while we waited for help. Their calm and caring response made a frightening situation much easier to handle.

Help Arrives

I took an hour, but the NSRI, Fire Brigade, and Ambulance Services eventually arrived. These incredible teams worked together to get me safely off the rocks and transported for medical care. I am so grateful for their professionalism, efficiency, and kindness. They truly are heroes.

The True Cost of an Accident

My injury ended up costing around R300 000 in total medical bills. Even with medical aid, I was left with about R60 000 uncovered. Thankfully, DAN (Divers Alert Network) stepped in, covering most of the outstanding balance and even replacing my damaged dive gear.

If you have ever wondered whether dive insurance is worth it, the answer is absolutely. Accidents can happen at any time, and having DAN made all the difference.

The Lessons

There are a few things I will never take for granted again:

• Always dive with a buddy. Their calm support can make all the difference in an emergency.

• Have reliable dive insurance. Medical aid alone doesn’t cover everything.

• Know your exit points and conditions. Even familiar sites can be risky when tired, distracted, or carrying gear.

Gratitude and Moving Forward

I’m healing well and have been underwater again with the help of my False Bay Underwater Dive Buddies. I’m incredibly thankful to my buddies, the NSRI, Fire Brigade, and ambulance team for their care, teamwork, and response.

Scuba diving remains one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and this experience has only strengthened my respect for the ocean and the dive community that always looks out for one another.

Thinking of joining a dive club?
At False Bay Underwater Club, you’ll find not just dive buddies but a community that truly has your back, in and out of the water.

Contact us today to learn more about our dives, training, and safety support.