Terrell, Texas — The owner of a local dive shop, Scuba Toys, is under scrutiny following the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl during a diving class this August. An unsettling video from 2017 has resurfaced, featuring Joe Johnson, the dive shop owner, seemingly acknowledging that his business has been associated with multiple fatalities, raising serious concerns about safety practices.
The video, which was recorded by a concerned instructor during a discussion on scuba instruction standards, captures a shocking exchange between Johnson and others. In the recording, Johnson reacts to a warning about lawsuits by claiming that the shop has been involved in the deaths of four or five individuals, stating their insurance has routinely settled claims without consequence. He quipped, “We can kill two people a year… and we’re fine,” a remark that shocked those present, including his wife, Sandy Johnson, who quickly attempted to downplay the comment.
The instructor who recorded the session later shared the 45-minute video with John Banks, a former regional director for the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). Banks forwarded the material to NAUI’s headquarters, hoping for action, but was informed that it was deemed “not actionable” by the organization. Banks expressed his disbelief at the lack of follow-through, stating he had hoped for accountability from NAUI, the very entity that certifies the dive shop.
Dylan Harrison’s death has reignited conversations about safety protocols in the scuba diving industry. Banks, reflecting on his experiences, emphasized that no child should ever be left unattended underwater, especially those under the age of 15. He voiced deep concern over reported incidents, including testimonies that the instructor exited the water before the young girl was located.
In discussing proper safety measures, Banks reiterated that instructors are trained to manage crises effectively, such as reapplying a mask or regulator if a student panics underwater. “You control it, and you don’t leave the water until every student is safely accounted for,” he said, conveying the seriousness of the situation.
Amidst the looming investigation—now involving the Texas Rangers—there are calls for increased regulation in the diving industry. “Scuba is self-regulated, and that needs to change,” Banks urged, citing longstanding issues with safety being overshadowed by profit-driven motives.
As this tragic story unfolds, the community is left grappling with questions about accountability, the adequacy of existing safety measures, and the future of training standards in scuba instruction. The circumstances surrounding Harrison’s death and the alarming revelations from the 2017 video have sparked widespread outrage, underscoring the critical need for reform in a sport that carries inherent risks.