Scuba Diving Safety

Diving is a fun and popular sport. However, there areyou are ridding your body of nitrogen in your tissues
some steps every diver should follow to ensure heand bloodstream. If you ascend too quickly, you risk
has a safe dive.decompression sickness. Always do a safety stop at
Scuba Diving Safety Rules15 feet for at least 3 minutes after deeper dives.
- Get proper training - Being comfortable underwaterAfter your safety stop, do not propel yourself to
will go a long way towards having a safe dive. Properthe surface either. Ascend that last 15 feet very
training is one key to being comfortable underwater.slowly also.
The beginning of proper training is to get your open- Check your equipment - Checking equipment is
water certification. If you go diving in caves, caverns,especially important if you are renting. If you own
wrecks, etc., you should also have the proper trainingyour regulator and haven't dove in a while, it should
for this type of dive. Don't dive beyond your ability.also be serviced to make sure it is working properly.
- Never dive alone - Always dive with a buddy noDo a check of the regulator hoses also.
matter where you are. This is key. When you do- Relax - Being relaxed and comfortable underwater
dive with a buddy, keep an eye on him/her to makeis key to a successful dive. If something happens,
sure everything is OK (and hopefully they are doingstop, breathe, think and act. Do not panic and rush to
the same). If something happens, that buddy can bethe surface. But observing this safety rule could be
the difference between life and death. Never violatekey to a safe dive.
this rule. Also do a pre-dive equipment check with- Plan your dive and dive your plan - You will hear this
your buddy.in your training (or you should) and you should follow
- Be in good physical shape - You don't have to be athis advice. Prior to going under, you and your buddy
triathlete but you should be able to swim and takeshould know the max depth you will go, the amount
the stress of diving. A physical exam is a good ideaof bottom time you'll have and how much air you will
before diving.start to ascend with. Check your air supply often.
- Don't hold your breath - Remember to alwaysYou should also agree on the hand signals you will
breathe slowly and in a relaxed manner and to exhaleuse to communicate underwater.
fully. Don't take short, shallow breathes and neverThis is just the beginning of scuba diving safety rules.
hold your breath. Holding your breath underwater canHowever, if you follow the above list you increase
lead to lung injuries and worse, in the extreme case.your chances of a safe dive.
- Ascend slowly and with control - As you ascend