Keryn van der Walt
Dive Industry Profile
Keryn van der Walt
I am the co-owner of RAID Southern Africa and I own Outdoor Focus Dive and Adventure Centre in Port Alfred, which I started 16 years ago. Diving was never on my bucket list. As a kid, I swam provincially and during my training sessions, I spent quite a bit of time watching diving students swim under us, and always wondered what the fascination was.
Shortly after moving to Port Alfred in 1993, my mother-in-law decided that she was going to do a dive course with Dennis Croukamp from Kowie Dive School. She informed me that I was doing it with her! That first course sparked my love for diving and my passion continues to grow, especially since I started rebreather diving. During my first pool session with Dennis, I decided that this was what I wanted to do and I worked my way up with him, eventually completing my dive master and instructor courses in 1996, this time with Ian Symington.
I was besotted with diving. Dennis gave me all his old Sources magazines which he had collected over the years (a stack about 1.5 m high). I read and studied these magazines with fascination and with a growing awareness of the industry. My interest in diver rescue was piqued after I joined the NSRI, and I started to realise the potential risks of diving in a relatively isolated area like Port Alfred. By this time, I had become a training officer at our Port Alfred Sea Rescue station, and we practised various diving-related injuries and scenarios on a regular basis.
Over time, we slowly started hearing snippets of information about DAN-SA. We all knew about DAN in America because of the magazines our agency was publishing. However, without social media as we know it today, news took a long time to filter down to a small town where there was only one dive centre.
In April 1997, a technical diver passed away during a 100 m course off Port Alfred. I was skippering the back-up boat and treated him for the long 20 nautical miles back to Port Alfred and into the fixed-wing aircraft waiting for us. After this event, I realised how little I knew about the process, even after all my training.
I attended Rescue Sunday at the Naval Base in Simon’s Town, where this very incident was presented as a case study. It was explained that the treatment that was given to the diver was certainly less than ideal, although it was unlikely to have made any difference to the outcome. This became a huge motivator to learn more, especially how to treat an injured diver correctly.
So, in February 1998, I looked into DAN-SA and ended up doing their oxygen provider course with Sean French. I began teaching oxygen administration for diving injuries. Over the years, I have taught NSRI crews and many divers how to provide oxygen correctly. I have marvelled (especially on the NSRI side) at how additional oxygen can save a life that seemed to be slipping away.
We take advantage of the amazing DAN-SA Student Membership Programme.
DAN-SA has helped us build a culture of diving safety at Outdoor Focus and our students are introduced to this organisation on every course we run. We take advantage of the amazing DAN-SA Student Membership Programme and DAN-SA has been incredibly helpful to us over the years, counselling us about students who are taking various medications or who have medical conditions. Not having a diving doctor nearby often puts us instructors in a pickle; however, DAN-SA is always there to advise us (and occasionally doctors) on whether a student is to fit to dive.
Shortly after moving to Port Alfred in 1993, my mother-in-law decided that she was going to do a dive course with Dennis Croukamp from Kowie Dive School. She informed me that I was doing it with her! That first course sparked my love for diving and my passion continues to grow, especially since I started rebreather diving. During my first pool session with Dennis, I decided that this was what I wanted to do and I worked my way up with him, eventually completing my dive master and instructor courses in 1996, this time with Ian Symington.
I was besotted with diving. Dennis gave me all his old Sources magazines which he had collected over the years (a stack about 1.5 m high). I read and studied these magazines with fascination and with a growing awareness of the industry. My interest in diver rescue was piqued after I joined the NSRI, and I started to realise the potential risks of diving in a relatively isolated area like Port Alfred. By this time, I had become a training officer at our Port Alfred Sea Rescue station, and we practised various diving-related injuries and scenarios on a regular basis.
Over time, we slowly started hearing snippets of information about DAN-SA. We all knew about DAN in America because of the magazines our agency was publishing. However, without social media as we know it today, news took a long time to filter down to a small town where there was only one dive centre.
In April 1997, a technical diver passed away during a 100 m course off Port Alfred. I was skippering the back-up boat and treated him for the long 20 nautical miles back to Port Alfred and into the fixed-wing aircraft waiting for us. After this event, I realised how little I knew about the process, even after all my training.
I attended Rescue Sunday at the Naval Base in Simon’s Town, where this very incident was presented as a case study. It was explained that the treatment that was given to the diver was certainly less than ideal, although it was unlikely to have made any difference to the outcome. This became a huge motivator to learn more, especially how to treat an injured diver correctly.
So, in February 1998, I looked into DAN-SA and ended up doing their oxygen provider course with Sean French. I began teaching oxygen administration for diving injuries. Over the years, I have taught NSRI crews and many divers how to provide oxygen correctly. I have marvelled (especially on the NSRI side) at how additional oxygen can save a life that seemed to be slipping away.
We take advantage of the amazing DAN-SA Student Membership Programme.
DAN-SA has helped us build a culture of diving safety at Outdoor Focus and our students are introduced to this organisation on every course we run. We take advantage of the amazing DAN-SA Student Membership Programme and DAN-SA has been incredibly helpful to us over the years, counselling us about students who are taking various medications or who have medical conditions. Not having a diving doctor nearby often puts us instructors in a pickle; however, DAN-SA is always there to advise us (and occasionally doctors) on whether a student is to fit to dive.
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March