A landmark study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examines 50 years of Australian scuba diving fatalities, revealing striking changes in diver profiles and causes of death between the periods 1972–1999 and 2000–2021. Despite average annual deaths remaining steady (about 8.5 per year), the characteristics of those lost—and the contributing factors—have evolved dramatically.

Older, certified, but at higher cardiac risk

The typical fatality has shifted from a younger male diver in the 1970s to an older, more experienced individual. The median age of casualties rose from 33 to 47 years, and the proportion aged 45 or older more than doubled from 24% to 57%. Certification rates improved from 64% to 81%, but the rising average age brought an increase in cardiac-related deaths—from 12% to 26%.

Fewer drownings, more medical triggers

While deaths from primary drowning declined (from 47% to 36%), fatalities involving cardiac issues increased, largely due to obesity and undiagnosed heart disease. Equipment issues and inexperience—previously key contributors—played smaller roles in recent decades. Use of pressure gauges and BCDs became more widespread, reducing deaths from out-of-gas situations and improving buoyancy control.

The need for medical oversight

The findings raise concerns about the declining physical fitness of divers and call for renewed emphasis on health screenings, especially for those over 45. According to lead author Dr John Lippmann, greater health awareness, better dive planning, and periodic skills refreshers are essential to improve diver safety.