Chris Lemons

Chris Lemons

Keynote Speaker: Miracle Survivor of Deep Sea Diving Accident & Subject of Netflix's "Last Breath"

Chris Lemons Biography

Chris Lemons has been a commercial diver for over 18 years, and currently specializes in deep sea saturation diving, operating almost exclusively in the oil and gas industry.

This highly specialized form of diving involves living in the claustrophobic confines of a decompression chamber for up to 28 days at a time, commuting daily to the seabed in a diving bell, and working at depths of up to 900 feet for six hours at a time.

In September of 2012, a freak failure of the dynamic positioning system of the vessel he was working under resulted in the umbilical which provides him with breathing gas, light, and heat being severed completely. He was left on the seabed, in complete darkness 300 feet below the surface, with only the five minutes of breathing gas he carried in the emergency tanks on his back, and no way to protect himself from the freezing temperatures.

It took his heroic rescuers over 40 minutes to come back and fetch him, and his miraculous survival story has baffled experts ever since.

His extraordinary story was subsequently immortalized in the hit Netflix/BBC documentary "Last Breath," a version of which was developed into a Hollywood movie starring Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu and Finn Cole and released in 2025.

Lemons was born in Edinburgh, raised in Cambridge, and now lives in the South of France with his partner and two daughters.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Chris Lemons and other top speakers and celebrities.

Chris Lemons Speaking Topics

Leadership and Maintaining the Chain of Command

Chris can discuss how strong leadership plays a vital role in all spheres of the work he does. From a robust chain of command, right through to individual leadership whilst working on the ocean floors, Chris is able to share how clear-cut but objective governance and accountability is key to the safe and efficient running of complicated and inherently dangerous offshore subsea operations. He can also describe how this same clear minded and well-rehearsed structure of leadership played a pivotal role in saving his life, and how you can use these methods to enhance the organizational culture within your own place of work.

Crisis Management and Emergency Response

What happened to Chris is the very definition of a crisis, not only to him personally, but to his crewmates and the reputation of the company he was working for. Chris can discuss how detailed preparation, effective leadership, an effective chain of command, and proper training and drills allowed the team around him to remain calm under extreme pressure and fulfill the miraculous rescue which saved his life.

Procedures and the Power of Drills and Practice

Chris works in a world where procedures, checklists, training and drills are not just essential to the work he performs, but to the preservation of life itself. He can communicate how these are used to allow him and his colleagues to safely work and live in the dangerous environments of compression chambers and the deep sea, but also how they played an essential role in allowing his crew mates to act with the calm assurance needed to pull him back from the brink of death.

Risk

Chris is able to discuss how, despite the inherent dangers involved with working in such an extreme environment, the risks are calculated and managed to make them acceptable. Identifying hazards, dynamic risk assessments and management of change are fundamental in making what could potentially be the most dangerous job on the planet, into what is arguably the safest form of diving in the world. Chris can explain how this is implemented, and how the lessons learned can apply to your sphere of work or life.

Incident Investigation

Following Chris’ life-threatening incident, which would have profound professional and personal implications for all involved had the rescue not been affected, it was essential that a far reaching and detailed investigation be conducted. Chris can recount the processes that the company went through to ensure that this was not only completed in as comprehensive manner as possible, but also in a fashion that was sensitive to the needs of those involved, as well as managing and protecting the public image of the company. This all culminated in a successful return to work just three weeks later, with the company using the incident as an industry wide learning tool and success story.

Chris Lemons Videos

Chris Lemons - Speaker Show Reel
Chris Lemons - Speaking Examples reel
Deep Sea Diver: I Shouldn't Be Alive | DEEP

How do I book Chris Lemons to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Chris Lemons for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Chris Lemons, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Chris Lemons or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Chris Lemons for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Chris Lemons, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Chris Lemons are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Chris Lemons, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Chris Lemons speak about?

Chris Lemons is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Overcoming Adversity, Peak Performance, Inspirational, Motivational, Personal Growth, Storytelling, Resilience, Olympic Athlete, Athlete, Swimming & Diving, Television & Film, Human Resources, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Leadership and Crisis Management.

Where does Chris Lemons travel from?

Chris Lemons generally travels from UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Chris Lemons?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Chris Lemons for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Chris Lemons for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Chris Lemons or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Chris Lemons is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Overcoming Adversity, Peak Performance and Inspirational. The estimated speaking fee range to book Chris Lemons for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Chris Lemons generally travels from UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Vince Papale, Rudy Ruettiger and Aaron Lazar. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Chris Lemons for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 17/09/2025.

Chris Lemons Speaking Topics

  • Leadership and Maintaining the Chain of Command

    Chris can discuss how strong leadership plays a vital role in all spheres of the work he does. From a robust chain of command, right through to individual leadership whilst working on the ocean floors, Chris is able to share how clear-cut but objective governance and accountability is key to the safe and efficient running of complicated and inherently dangerous offshore subsea operations. He can also describe how this same clear minded and well-rehearsed structure of leadership played a pivotal role in saving his life, and how you can use these methods to enhance the organizational culture within your own place of work.

  • Crisis Management and Emergency Response

    What happened to Chris is the very definition of a crisis, not only to him personally, but to his crewmates and the reputation of the company he was working for. Chris can discuss how detailed preparation, effective leadership, an effective chain of command, and proper training and drills allowed the team around him to remain calm under extreme pressure and fulfill the miraculous rescue which saved his life.

  • Procedures and the Power of Drills and Practice

    Chris works in a world where procedures, checklists, training and drills are not just essential to the work he performs, but to the preservation of life itself. He can communicate how these are used to allow him and his colleagues to safely work and live in the dangerous environments of compression chambers and the deep sea, but also how they played an essential role in allowing his crew mates to act with the calm assurance needed to pull him back from the brink of death.

  • Risk

    Chris is able to discuss how, despite the inherent dangers involved with working in such an extreme environment, the risks are calculated and managed to make them acceptable. Identifying hazards, dynamic risk assessments and management of change are fundamental in making what could potentially be the most dangerous job on the planet, into what is arguably the safest form of diving in the world. Chris can explain how this is implemented, and how the lessons learned can apply to your sphere of work or life.

  • Incident Investigation

    Following Chris’ life-threatening incident, which would have profound professional and personal implications for all involved had the rescue not been affected, it was essential that a far reaching and detailed investigation be conducted. Chris can recount the processes that the company went through to ensure that this was not only completed in as comprehensive manner as possible, but also in a fashion that was sensitive to the needs of those involved, as well as managing and protecting the public image of the company. This all culminated in a successful return to work just three weeks later, with the company using the incident as an industry wide learning tool and success story.

Chris Lemons Videos

Chris Lemons - Speaker Show Reel
Chris Lemons - Speaking Examples reel
Deep Sea Diver: I Shouldn't Be Alive | DEEP
"Last Breath" Official Trailer
Diver once trapped on ocean floor tells survival story

Chris Lemons Reviews

  • "I can say with absolute conviction - Chris Lemons is a phenomenal speaker. His story is more than just an edge-of-your-seat survival tale; it’s a masterclass in leadership, teamwork, and the razor-thin margin between disaster and triumph. If you care about safety, decision-making under pressure, or simply want to be captivated by an extraordinary real-life experience, Chris delivers like no other. Highly recommended!"
    Anglo-Eastern Univan Group - Mar 20 2025

Chris Lemons News

  • Focus Features Acquires ‘Last Breath’ Starring Woody Harrelson, Finn Cole and Simu Liu

    The project is an exhilarating true story, based on the 2019 documentary of the same name, which Parkinson co-directed with Richard da Costa. It follows seasoned deep sea diver Chris Lemons as he battles against the raging elements to execute his final rescue mission. It’s described as a “heart-pounding” and “gripping tale of teamwork” that takes audiences on a race against time. Mitchell LaFortune, Parkinson and David Brooks have written the script for the fact-based narrative.

  • How do I book Chris Lemons to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Chris Lemons for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Chris Lemons, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Chris Lemons or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Chris Lemons for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Chris Lemons, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Chris Lemons are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Chris Lemons, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Chris Lemons speak about?

  • Where does Chris Lemons travel from?

    Chris Lemons generally travels from UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Chris Lemons?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Chris Lemons for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Chris Lemons for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Chris Lemons or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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