| Diving is a fun and popular sport. However, there are | | | | As you ascend you are ridding your body of nitrogen |
| some steps every diver should follow to ensure he | | | | in your tissues and bloodstream. If you ascend too |
| has a safe dive. | | | | quickly, you risk decompression sickness. Always do a |
| Scuba Diving Safety Rules: | | | | safety stop at 15 feet for at least 3 minutes after |
| Get proper training | | | | deeper dives. After your safety stop, do not propel |
| Being comfortable underwater will go a long way | | | | yourself to the surface either. Ascend that last 15 feet |
| towards having a safe dive. Proper training is one key | | | | very slowly also. |
| to being comfortable underwater. The beginning of | | | | Check your equipment |
| proper training is to get your open water certification. If | | | | Checking equipment is especially important if you are |
| you go diving in caves, caverns, wrecks, etc., you | | | | renting. If you own your regulator and haven't dove in a |
| should also have the proper training for this type of | | | | while, it should also be serviced to make sure it is |
| dive. Don't dive beyond your ability. | | | | working properly. Do a check of the regulator hoses |
| Never dive alone | | | | also. |
| Always dive with a buddy no matter where you are. | | | | Relax |
| This is key. When you do dive with a buddy, keep an | | | | Being relaxed and comfortable underwater is key to a |
| eye on him/her to make sure everything is OK (and | | | | successful dive. If something happens, stop, breathe, |
| hopefully they are doing the same). If something | | | | think and act. Do not panic and rush to the surface. But |
| happens, that buddy can be the difference between | | | | observing this safety rule could be key to a safe dive. |
| life and death. Never violate this rule. Also do a | | | | Plan your dive and dive your plan |
| pre-dive equipment check with your buddy. | | | | You will hear this in your training (or you should) and |
| Be in good physical shape | | | | you should follow this advice. Prior to going under, you |
| You don't have to be a triathlete but you should be | | | | and your buddy should know the max depth you will |
| able to swim and take the stress of diving. A physical | | | | go, the amount of bottom time you'll have and how |
| exam is a good idea before diving. | | | | much air you will start to ascend with. Check your air |
| Don't hold your breath | | | | supply often. You should also agree on the hand |
| Remember to always breathe slowly and in a relaxed | | | | signals you will use to communicate underwater. |
| manner and to exhale fully. Don't take short, shallow | | | | This is just the beginning of scuba diving safety rules. |
| breathes and never hold your breath. Holding your | | | | However, if you follow the above list you increase |
| breath underwater can lead to lung injuries and worse, | | | | your chances of a safe dive. For more essential rules, |
| in the extreme case. | | | | check my website. Have fun! |
| Ascend slowly and with control | | | | |