Lawsuit Filed After Tragic Drowning of Texas Girl During Scuba Class
The parents of a Texas girl who tragically drowned during a scuba certification class have initiated legal action against two agencies, claiming their daughter’s death was preventable. The incident occurred on August 16, 2025, when 12-year-old Dylan Harrison attended a private open water class organized by Scubatoys, a local dive shop.
Why It Matters
This case raises critical questions about safety standards in recreational diving training. Parents and guardians investing in such classes for their children must be assured of proper protocols and instructor training to prevent similar tragedies. The allegations highlight potential systemic issues within the scuba diving instruction community.
Key Developments
- Dylan Harrison drowned during a private scuba certification course in Terrell, Texas.
- The lawsuit alleges mismanagement and negligence by the scuba instructor and the dive shop.
- Reports indicate that emergency services were delayed in responding to the incident.
- A video has surfaced where a staff member from Scubatoys appears dismissive of safety protocols.
- The instructor, who also worked as a sheriff’s deputy, resigned following the incident.
Full Report
The Incident
On August 16, 2025, Dylan Harrison, accompanied by her 12-year-old swimming partner, commenced a privately arranged open water scuba class obtained through Scubatoys. Upon arrival at The Scuba Ranch, the family learned that Dylan would join a group of seven students. According to the lawsuit, the divemaster assured the parents that he would closely monitor their daughter throughout the class.
Instructor’s Role
At the time of the incident, Assistant Chief Deputy for the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, William Armstrong, was employed part-time as a scuba instructor. Reports claim that he failed to check if Dylan was properly weighted before she entered the water. Dylan was last observed at 9:36 a.m. and was not seen again until just before noon, when a few students experienced miscommunication.
According to the lawsuit, emergency services were only notified approximately 15 minutes after Dylan was last seen. Evidence suggests she remained alive, using air from her tank for several minutes before disappearing. During that time, she was reportedly alone in the water, facing poor visibility and unable to reach the surface.
Aftermath and Safety Concerns
Following the tragic incident, Armstrong resigned from his position with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office. The lawsuit alleges systemic failures in safety procedures within the scuba instruction industry, accusing it of neglecting urgent safety concerns for years. The Harrison family’s legal team cites a 2017 staff meeting video in which Scubatoys’ owner, Joe Johnson, made troubling comments regarding safety measures, suggesting negligence within the company’s practices.
No immediate responses were provided by Scubatoys, NAUI, PADI, or the Harrison family’s attorney to inquiries regarding the lawsuit.
Context & Previous Events
The lawsuit highlights an ongoing issue of safety accountability in scuba training after a history of incidents where protocols may have been inadequately enforced. The Harrison family’s move to pursue legal action follows similar concerns raised in the scuba community, emphasizing the need for stringent training and oversight to prevent such catastrophic outcomes in the future.
