doesn't bother us over on the diving forum i also frequent and the risks of injutry/fatality are slightly greater in an underwater environment
The difference is organised SCUBA in the UK normally takes place by persons trained, assessed and insured either via BSAC or PADI while anyone can attend or organise a forum bike ride with absolutely no training, experience or insurance.
Here's an outline of a serious SCUBA incident I've been involved in:
Six divers on privately owned boat diving a deep UK SCUBA site. All trained to BSAC Advanced Diver standard or equivalent. Divers 1&2 (diver 2=me) had returned to the boat after diving, divers 3&4 were on the wreck site and divers 5&6 were kitting up to dive. Diver 3 surfaces in distress stating diver 4 unconcious 50 metres below. Diver 5 enters the water alone to attempt rescue as immediately ready. Diver 4 not recovered on sea bed or surface after prolonged search lasting more than a week. Coroners inquest found accidental death and no legal action for damages was made by the family of the deceased. Cause of death was unknown but no blame was attributed to the other divers as all normal safety precautions had been taken and immediate action was prompt and appropriate.
Now imagine the divers could not demonstrate the level of training everyone had received and what precautions and safety kit they had in place. Do you think there's a possibilty the legal outcome may have been different?
I think if you begin to organise anything for a group of people, no matter how informal or matey, you inevitably take on board a certain level of responsibility. I recently organised a 100 mile night ride with nine participants. I routed it (unknown to me at the time) via a closed road. We all carried on past the road closed signs until we came to an unopened bridge. I apologised to everyone and suggested we go back and retrace the route a few miles. The group decided to climb two six foot fences and cross an unopened bridge in the dark. I was a little nervous about possible injuries or damage that might occur but luckily everyone got across safely and we had a laugh about it. I will not be making the same mistake again. I also know I wouldn't organise any informal cycling event without having at least my CTC 3rd party insurance. It's not necessarily your CC fellow forumites you have to worry about coming after you but perhaps the family of someone injured or killed who may seek damages. Even if you are found not liable you would still have to pay out for solicitors fees to defend yourself.
Food for thought i think...