Table of Contents

Introduction
Lesson 1: Start with Why Not?
Lesson 2: Listen to the Quiet Voice
Lesson 3: Zoom In, Zoom Out
Lesson 4: Rest and Decompress
Lesson 5: One Breath at a Time
Lesson 6: Expect the Unexpected
Lesson 7: Step Up and Step Back
Lesson 8: Harnessing Teamwork and Trust
Lesson 9: Hurry Up and Do . . . Nothing
Lesson 10: Keep it Simple
Lesson 11: Rehearse. Then Repeat
Lesson 12: Make Success a Habit
Lesson 13: Define Your Own Happiness
End Note: Full Circle
The Thirteen Lessons
Acknowledgements
Glossary
John Volanthen
Index
 

About the Author

John Volanthen began caving with the scouts at the age of 14 and is now a world record-holding British cave diver who has been at the forefront of underground rescue and exploration for over twenty years. Best known as the first diver to locate and contact the missing youth Thai soccer team with his diving partner Rick Stanton, he also planned and participated in the children's rescue, carrying three children to safety. John has been involved in search, rescue and recovery operations as well as mapping caves worldwide. His many awards include the British and Commonwealth George Medal, the Scout Association Bronze Cross, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and Scientific Exploration Society Pioneer with Purpose. With a background in medical electronics, John has invented underwater mapping devices, communications systems and state of the art, micro rebreathers, allowing divers to stay underwater longer than was previously possible. In Wookey Hole in the UK, alongside Rick Stanton, John advanced the British cave diving depth record to over 90M. As part of an international team, he set a world record for the longest cave dive from surface, well over 10km. John lives in Bristol and continues to explore and document underwater caves throughout the world. He is always on standby for the next rescue.

Reviews

 

‘Thirteen Lives is a case study in courage and volunteerism – the courage of those who were trapped, of the divers, of the officials and of the locals who all came together to overcome insurmountable odds while the world watched.’

‘John’s involvement in one of the most Herculean rescue efforts ever makes him a perfect guide for readers. His insights are riveting. The suspense and emotion are palpable. It’s a powerful story written by a hero who lived it.’
*Ron Howard, Oscar-winning director of "Apollo 13"*

‘In his new book, Thirteen Lessons That Saved Thirteen Lives, John reveals the nail-biting moments that left him preparing for the worst – from sedating the boys with ketamine to the exhausting swim for survival…He tells of the operation in heart-stopping detail, while also sharing the coping techniques he employed which can be used in everyday life.’
*Daily Mirror*