Scuba Diving - The Dangers of Diver Dehydration

Isn't it an irony that while you are scuba diving youstops on the way up. If these safety rules are
run the risk of dehydration underwater even whileignored, the diver can suffer from decompression
you are enveloped by millions of gallons of water?sickness - whose symptoms include cramps, joint
Ironic but true. Scuba diving can get a scuba diverpain, and many other serious consequences.
dehydrated if there is an inadequate quantity ofDehydration affects the rate of nitrogen release. This
water in his body. That can cause major problems asmakes ascents take longer and the diver's oxygen
water is crucial for the smooth functioning of amay run out. In this situation, a diver faces an
dozen biophysical systems and biochemical processes.unpleasant choice. Compared to decompression
At the cell level, chemical reactions in the cell requiresickness, dehydration causes lesser harm. Yet, the
water. At the tissue level, water keeps the tissuesconsequences like lowered blood flow, which makes
flexible and plump. Water is also needed for bloodthe heart pump faster are still unpleasant enough and
production and circulation through the cardiovascularyou must make all efforts to avoid this. If
system.dehydrated, the diver will fatigue more rapidly, spoil
A scuba diver can lose fluids through sweat orhis enjoyment and have to surface quicker.
urination. Yes, divers do sweat even underwater. ButIt is not difficult to achieve the proper level of
breathing causes the most loss of water for divers.hydration before and while scuba diving. Before
Have you ever observed what happens when yousetting off, just drink lots water or a sports drink
breathe near a piece of glass? The glass becomeswhich does not contain too much sugar. In warmer
foggy. This shows that when you breathe normally,weather and for longer dives, you will need to drink
you are expelling high amounts of moisture into themore fluids. Drink slowly, so your body gets enough
air. Since the scuba tanks contain air that is drier thantime to absorb the fluids without the kidneys getting
surface air, you tend to breathe out more moistureoverwhelmed. But remember to avoid caffeinated
underwater. Moisture tends to flow from wet to drydrinks like coffee and colas or any alcoholic
areas just as heat gets transferred from warmer tobeverages for many hours before the dive.
cooler bodies.Inadequate fluid in the blood vessels of the neck and
Lowered concentration of fluids in the blood canhead cause headaches, so look out for headaches -
cause serious consequences. If a diver is dehydratedthey are the first indication that you may be facing
his muscle tissues will receive reduced blood flow.dehydration. Before the dive, examine your urine to
This affects the ability of his body to absorb andensure that it's clear and light colored. Once you have
release nitrogen, thereby altering the time requiredsurfaced, re-hydrate slowly.
for ascending safely. A diver must ascend at a rateSo, use common sense and go for safe dive!
lesser than 30 feet per minute and also make several