Concerns over Reef safety

BRITISH tourist John Chapman has got plenty to be thankful for.

The elderly traveller survived a near-death experience after suffering heart failure while snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef earlier last month.

Mr Chapman, 73, had an underlying heart condition which may have contributed to him encountering difficulties.

Importantly, though, he not only wants to thank the operator and medical staff who saved his life, but he also does not believe there is anything more that could have been done to prevent him from coming into strife, instead pointing out that tourists need to take responsibility for their own actions.

It has been a horror 12 months for our local dive industry, which has endured a spate of deaths within the marine park, a majority being tourists with various medical conditions.

The industry is currently in discussions with the State Government for the right to legally refuse water entry to passengers they deem “at risk” of overexertion.

This may be viewed as an extreme action by some visitors — including a pair of US tourists who are currently taking separate Far Northern operators to court over refusal to be let into the water.

But no matter how many new rules and regulations are implemented, authorities will never be able to legislate against stupidity.

The Reef is a destination that many people have listed on their bucket lists. They don’t care if they’re not in the best shape, and some may even lie on medical forms to ensure they are able to snorkel or dive on the natural wonder.

To some degree personal responsibility needs to take precedence over blaming others for dangerous mistakes.