Are you a diving enthusiast, or are you planning to learn scuba diving? Diving, like any other sport, has its risks, and you should follow the rules for safety purposes. But for starters, what is scuba diving? This is a sporting activity in which the swimmer dives underwater using a scuba. Here are tips and safety measures you should adhere to when you’re scuba diving.
Training
If you are actually an experienced swimmer, you may notice that you can scuba dive without necessarily having to go for training. But again, there are lots of skills and knowledge you need to discover, before heading towards the bottom of the waters. You need to learn how to fix your oxygen regulator, how to swim when you’re deep in the water, how to counter common mishaps with your equipment, and even the safety measures to take when in close contact with sea predators. You may also be required to present an open water certificate to verify that you’ve earned the right skills before you’re allowed to dive. Training also builds comfort and confidence underwater, and your ability to focus on your breathing.
Health and Physical Fitness
Your health matters a lot when it comes to diving. For example, you may suffer seasickness when you’re near or in water bodies. In such a case, be sure to take seasickness pills. Never go diving into the waters if you have a cold or a sinus infection. Don’t go underwater with an injured leg, hand, or back; otherwise, you may experience difficulty swimming.
Always Gather and Assess Your Gear
You must know which gear you need when scuba diving. Wear all the gear, including swim goggles, gloves, swimming caps, swimsuit or costume, and fins and hand paddles before you dive underwater. Be sure to check the gear to confirm its functioning properly. An oxygen regulator comes in handy when you dive towards the bottom of the sea. So, test it first. Pause a moment after you’re geared up, to ask yourself, “does everything feel right?”
Reduce Air Consumption
The oxygen you carry determines how long you’ll be in the waters. Plus, you don’t want to lose oxygen and suffocate or drown. Drop weight to consume less and maintain buoyancy. If you have been swimming for some time, you may know that water resistance is directly proportional to speed. So, move slowly to use less energy and air. Additionally, streamlining your swimming equipment by stashing all accessories behind or in your pockets is crucial to reducing air consumption.
After Diving
Things you should avoid right after diving include flying, mountain climbing, and heavy drinking. Flying and mountain climbing are the most dangerous, due to the huge differences in pressure underwater and air or high altitudes. Nitrogen entering your blood as a result of pressure differences, or the body failing to eliminate excess nitrogen due to heavy drinking, can be fatal.