
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 30, 1993                   TAG: 9306300345
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LOSS OF SCUBA FIN WON'T SINK DIVER

SCUBA diving is a fascinating sport which enables a person to explore a realm of beauty and intrigue. But, as is true with all sports, it must be approached with respect and knowledge.

The June 19 article by Mark Morrison concerning the tragic scuba diving accident in Rockbridge County was very misleading ("Schoolteacher drowns while scuba diving"). It led readers to believe that the loss of a scuba fin would cause a diver to sink. This simply is not true. It also implied that if one trains in Florida, this makes them experienced. Experience only comes from repetitive diving with trained divers.

As a certified master scuba diver, I know of many factors that may have been responsible for the loss of life. But for divers with limited knowledge and experience or for those who have never been through a class, the article was frightening and disturbing.

Facts should have been presented as opposed to the sketchy write-up the public received. I would hate to see a decline in the interest of scuba diving based on a lack of proper information.

To the family and friends of Ms. Wheat, I extend my deepest sympathies. ROBIN CLOUGH ROANOKE

by CNB