Scuba-Its All About Safety

Scuba diving can be one of the most exhilarating experiences. With every sport and recreational activity in order to get the maximized benefits, knowing your sport and safety is the best way to ensure the best experience possible.


Be in shape: This doesn't mean you need to qualify for the Olympics but being able to swim comfortably in the water will undoubtedly take the stress off of the diving. Also it is advisable to have a physical done by your family physician to ensure that there are no medical conditions that may be effected by this activity.



Get your training: It is very important that you receive the proper training before attempting to scuba dive. Becoming certified is the first step to become an experienced diver. It is important that you ensure you have had all the proper training available for the kind of dive that you are attempting. Many resorts and vacation spots will offer a course in diving that is not extensive. If you decide to go diving after one of these courses remember not to dive lower than thirty feet. While scuba diving can be fun and a wonderful experience there are also risks involved and knowing these risks before attempting a dive is another precaution to ensure safe diving.


Breath: Do not hold your breath. This is a natural reaction when plummeting into a body of water but you need to train yourself to overcome that. You are hooked up to an oxygen tank and holding your breath may pose health risks. Breath slowly and exhale in a relaxed manner.



Never Dive alone: It is important to never dive alone. Diving with a partner will ensure that in case of an emergency there is someone looking out for you. Make sure to always to pre-check each other's equipment and keep an eye out on each other during the dive.



The Weather: Weather is always an issue. Since the weather is one element that can not be controlled make sure to be on the lookout for bad weather and high tides. If the water doesn't seem right to you or the weather seems to be picking up, it is always better to be safe than sorry. There is always tomorrow. It is a good idea to be connected with a diving operator as they will usually make the call regarding the weather. However, if you do not feel comfortable don't do it.



Be careful when rising (exiting) your dive: Exiting a scuba dive is not as easy as merely rising to the surface as quick as you can. For shorter dives you will need to rise to the surface no faster then the air bubbles around you. Continue to breath deep and slowly and take your time. When exiting deep diving you may need to rest and decompress at certain levels to ensure that the pressurized air in your lungs has time to leave the body before they expand. Divers that rise to the surface to quickly can become very ill with decompression sickness also know as the bends.

Symptoms of the bends includes.

*unusual tiredness

*dizziness or vertigo

*pains in various ares (as the nitrogen bubbles can accumulate in different areas)

*tingling in arms or legs

*less common trouble breathing

*and in sever cases unconsciousness and coma


Decompression sickness can occur between 1-24 hours after a dive so it is wise if you suspect yourself or someone around you may be suffering from decompression sickness to take them to a medical facility as soon as possible.


Also you can develop decompression sickness if you fly or mountain climb after a dive. It is a good idea to refrain from flying for twenty-four hours after a dive.



These are a few tips to know before attempting to scuba dive. If done correctly scuba diving is a rewarding experience but if done without proper training or without properly trained individuals accompanying you it can pose a great danger.
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