21/09/2026
While preparing for a shore dive, Val Marino and her buddy, Larry Berlin, noticed another diver from their group signaling for help. Berlin immediately entered the surf to assess the situation, while Marino alerted a bystander to be ready to call 911 if needed. Moments later, Berlin called for help.
As Marino rushed through the waves, she realized this was far more than a tired diver needing a tow to shore. The diver was unresponsive, with unfocused eyes and yellow foam pouring from their nose and mouth. After Berlin removed the diver’s equipment, Marino helped bring the diver through the surf and onto the beach, where she shifted from rescue to emergency response.
Drawing on years of CPR, first aid, and DAN training, Marino assessed the diver’s responsiveness, breathing, and pulse before beginning CPR. After EMS was activated, a bystander who identified herself as a nurse stepped in to help, and together they provided continuous care until paramedics arrived. The diver was transported to the hospital and ultimately made a full recovery.
In the weeks that followed, Marino grappled with the emotional impact of responding to a dive emergency. As a DAN Instructor, she shares those lessons with other divers, and emphasizes that emergency preparedness is part of being a responsible diver and dive buddy. Staying current with first aid, CPR, and emergency response training builds the confidence and competence to act when the unexpected happens.
Read the full story, When Training Takes Over, in Alert Diver: dan.org/when-training-takes-over/
(Note: The photos accompanying this story recreate the sequence of events and were produced after the incident occurred.)
