09.08.2012 0

Provence & Côte d'Azur: The level of accidents is falling but it is still too high according to Nice University hospital

Diving accident toll rises

There have been two more diving accidents reported over the weekend in the Mediterranean and local health authorities continue to stress the importance of staying safe whilst enjoying a sport that poses many dangers. On 5th August, a diver in his 40s lost the movement of his legs due to complications arising after a dive of 45 metres near Villefranche. Meanwhile, in Corsica on 8th August, an Italian diver lost his life because of complications while resurfacing.

Divers are attracted to the waters of the Riviera in their thousands each year

There have been fourteen diving related accidents between Menton and Mandelieu this year, and compared to last year's total of 36 accidents, the level seems to be falling. However, the Nice University Hospital continues to stress that this figure is still too high and accidents are avoidable.

The hospital has released information stating that men aged between 40 and 45 years old make up 80 per cent of all the diving accidents that it has treated this year, and two thirds of accidents have taken place outside of professional supervision. With this in mind, divers should continue to be vigilant when they dive and never stray from the strict codes of practice that are designed to keep them safe.

The latest incidents come amidst a run of accidents that have taken place on the Côte d'Azur this year. On 17th July, three divers were rushed to Nice University after their dive in Cap Martin and since the beginning of the year the hospital has welcomed tens of divers into its hyper boric treatment cntre.

Edward Hetherington

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