He drowned in a cave… and says it wasn’t his time. Meet Lex Waters — marine biologist, high school science teacher of 46 years, scuba instructor, and a man who experienced what he believes was a true near-death encounter deep underwater. Before he became a beloved educator and mentor, Lex made a diving mistake that nearly cost him his life. Trapped in a pitch-black underwater cave with almost no air left, he describes an out-of-body experience, a tunnel, voices welcoming him — and a message that sent him back. “It’s not his time yet.” From that moment on, every day has been a 10. In this powerful and unexpectedly funny conversation, Lex shares how growing up as the son of a Navy fighter pilot built resilience, how curiosity shaped his teaching philosophy, why he believes in always answering students’ questions, and how surviving that dive permanently changed his outlook on life. This episode blends adventure, faith, science, mentorship, and second chances — with a few treasure-hunting detours along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you almost don’t make it… this conversation will stay with you.
He drowned in a cave… and says it wasn’t his time.
Meet Lex Waters — marine biologist, high school science teacher of 46 years, scuba instructor, and a man who experienced what he believes was a true near-death encounter deep underwater.
Before he became a beloved educator and mentor, Lex made a diving mistake that nearly cost him his life. Trapped in a pitch-black underwater cave with almost no air left, he describes an out-of-body experience, a tunnel, voices welcoming him — and a message that sent him back.
“It’s not his time yet.”
From that moment on, every day has been a 10.
In this powerful and unexpectedly funny conversation, Lex shares how growing up as the son of a Navy fighter pilot built resilience, how curiosity shaped his teaching philosophy, why he believes in always answering students’ questions, and how surviving that dive permanently changed his outlook on life.
This episode blends adventure, faith, science, mentorship, and second chances — with a few treasure-hunting detours along the way.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you almost don’t make it… this conversation will stay with you.
• The near-death cave diving experience that changed everything
• What it felt like to run out of air at 80+ feet underwater
• The out-of-body experience and “not his time yet” moment
• Growing up as the son of a WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Navy pilot
• Moving coast-to-coast every two years and building resilience
• 46 years teaching high school science and marine biology
• Why great teachers must be “subject area masters”
• Encouraging curiosity instead of shutting down questions
• The dangers of cave diving and real-life recovery stories
• Meeting treasure hunter Mel Fisher before the Atocha discovery
• Coral reef restoration efforts and supporting marine conservation
• Why Lex wakes up every day and calls it a 10
Near-death experience stories
Scuba diving survival stories
Cave diving risks and lessons
Marine biology careers
Long-term teaching impact stories
Resilience built through adversity
Faith after survival experiences
Treasure hunting history
Living life with gratitude
“Every day I wake up, it’s a 10.”
“I didn’t know enough to know how bad the situation was.”
“I promise I won’t cuss, I won’t lie — just get me out of here.”
“Don’t take yourself too seriously.”
“You’d be amazed what you can do when you think you’re going to die.”
“It’s just not his time yet.”
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan
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