2/10/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Scuba Diving.
Scuba Divers explore the world beneath the surface, where calm, preparation, and awareness are more than essential. Amongst colorful coral, fish of every shape and size, dolphins, whales, and sharks galore, scuba divers rely on communication signals, training, and carefully maintained equipment to safely be present underwater. For many, scuba diving is more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle that inspires scientific innovation and promotes appreciation for the ocean. So put on that wetsuit, strap on your tank, check your regulator, and descend into depth and discovery. When we protect scuba divers, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Scuba Diving Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Scuba Diving has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- High levels of trust are placed in the instructor, coach/dive master, and this trust can be exploited. Close contact is sometimes required, and abuse can occur, especially if the athlete is led to believe that the behavior is considered “normal.”
- In SCUBA, there is often pressure to increase the difficulty level of dives and/or the extremity of skills. This places divers at risk of injury or even death, especially if they do not understand all of the risks.
- SCUBA diving is often done in open water environments, and adverse conditions require a high level of physical risk assessment and safeguarding that might not be fully standardized.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
2/3/2026
12-year-old allegedly alive underwater for minutes before fatal scuba class failure: lawsuit
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
9/30/2026
Burke County high school coach charged with felony sex act with a student
9/30/2026
Longtime Hastings sports figure charged with 13 felonies
9/24/2026
Ex-NC State sports medicine director indicted on sexual abuse charges involving student-athletes
Scuba Diving Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety and Safeguarding within Scuba Diving.
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13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not to
Physical Safety
Learn the importance of preserving air in scuba diving.
The Proper Dive Buddy Check – How Do You Say BWRAF?
Safeguarding
Learn about the importance of pre-dive buddy checks.
Top 5 Factors That Increase Your Risk of the Bends
Physical Safety
Learn how to recognize and prevent the bends.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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