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on 6/16/00 9:47 PM, Lee Gibson at gibsoll@sh*.uf*.ed* wrote:
> Two simple questions..two simple answers.
> 1) I wouldn't let my children cave dive with anyone until they are old enough
> to make a mature judgement call for themselves. Remember that cave diving is
> a HIGH RISK activity even with the best equipment and personel.
> 2) Bill is very open about his medical condition. Try asking him. He isn't
> hiding the facts from anyone nor denying his mortality...unlike some who post
> to this list :>)
Lee,
You were asked two straightforward questions and unfortunately gave two
evasive answers.
1) OK, so your kids can judge for themselves. I assume that, like my son,
your children (once grown) would ask you for guidance. What would your
guidance be if you knew that one cave instructor being considered had a
known heart condition? What if a non-cave diving friend asked you if
Bill was the right guy to teach his 19-year-old daughter cave diving?
2) Bill is open about his condition--I would expect that. But the real
question is, does Bill disclose his heart condition to all students, even
when not asked?
The questions above are pretty basic questions and very easy to answer. Here
are some possible answers you could give:
1a) Pick Bill, he's the best instructor and his heart condition is nothing
to worry about, even in a water-filled cave.
1b) Don't pick Bill, he's a good instructor, but there are plenty of
instructors out there just as good or better who don't have a history of
heart disease and my concern is more with your safety than his teaching.
1c) Don't worry I know your kids will be completely safe with Bill despite
his history of heart disease.
1d) Since these are your children and not mine I would recommend against
using any instructor of any high-activity sport who could be disabled
during the activity and which could result in the death of your
children.
2a) Bill doesn't like to talk about his heart condition to students or new
dive buddies.
2b) Bill discloses his heart condition only when asked.
2c) Bill tells all prospective dive buddies and students about his heart
condition.
2d) Bill fully discloses his heart condition and has that information
included on the disclosure forms and contracts that his students must
sign.
Yes it's a free country and so long as the disclosures are complete and
unevasive then it is caveat emptor--let the diver beware!
Later,
JoeL
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