Snorkeling Danger: Widow Files Lawsuit Alleging Unforeseen Death
A Tragic Snorkeling Incident
In February 2022, 64-year-old Ray Johnson embarked on a seemingly enjoyable snorkel off the coast of Maui. However, his last moments painted a starkly different picture from traditional drowning scenarios. Johnson’s demise, ruled as drowning by a coroner, raised questions about the underlying cause of his untimely passing.
Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema (ROPE): A Silently Lethal Danger
According to Johnson’s attorney, Jay Stuemke, it’s likely that Johnson succumbed to a condition known as Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema (ROPE), sometimes referred to as “drowning from the inside.” ROPE occurs when bodily fluids accumulate in the lungs, diminishing their ability to absorb oxygen and leading to hypoxia.
Symptoms and Risks of ROPE
ROPE presents with symptoms such as shortness of breath and weakness, often progressing rapidly to unconsciousness. It is particularly perilous for snorkelers due to their face-down position and the resistance created by their snorkel, hindering inhalation. Recent air travel has also been identified as a contributing factor, affecting the permeability of the lung’s membranes.
Lack of Awareness and Prevention
Despite the known risks, Stuemke claims that Hawaii’s tourism authority and other organizations have failed to adequately inform tourists about ROPE. A study funded by the industry itself recommended a wait period of three days after disembarking from a plane before snorkeling to reduce the risk of this “preventable death.”
Waiting Games and Safety Measures
Johnson’s widow, Patti, contends that if her husband had been aware of ROPE and its risks, they would have opted for alternative activities during their vacation. Stuemke emphasizes that most tourists visit Hawaii for extended periods and would be willing to adhere to safety guidelines like waiting.
Discrepancies in Reporting and Research
The Hawaii House of Representatives unsuccessfully proposed a bill to mandate first responders to document the type of snorkels used by victims. Lack of accurate data regarding equipment hinders further research and effective safety measures.
Snorkel Safety Card: A Personal Crusade
In response to the lack of action, Patti Johnson has taken matters into her own hands, creating small cards outlining ROPE information. She distributes these cards to potential snorkelers as a vigilant reminder of the unseen danger.
Recommendations for Snorkelers
To minimize the risk of ROPE, snorkelers should:
- Wait at least three days after flying before snorkeling
- Use simple snorkels with minimal resistance
- Avoid full face masks, as they cannot be removed in emergency situations
Additional Resources
More information about ROPE and snorkeling safety can be found at: www.snorkelsafetystudy.org
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
