Scuba diving is one of the most fun ways to explore nature’s amazing bodies of water. Each year people flock to their own scuba destinations, in order to take in beautiful sights. It can be freeing to put on your scuba diving equipment and get right into the water. Statistics show that, in 2015, 3.27 million people took part in scuba diving in the United States. In addition, there are millions of separate dives that take place in the United States with only about 90 deaths occurring per year. Here are four safety tips to remember before your next scuba outing, ensuring you stay safe in the water!
- Planning Your Diving Destination – Preparation is an important part of any vacation, scuba diving trips are no exception. Selecting the right destination to scuba dive at is an essential part of any plan. If you are new to scuba diving, you may want to choose a location that isn’t crowded with other divers. Beginners can feel uncomfortable getting their scuba diving equipment on for the first real dive. However, seasoned veterans of scuba diving might want to talk with other divers in a busier environment.
- Know Your Limits – You always need to ensure that you are not tackling a dive that might be out of your depth. Beginning scuba diving expeditions should always be taken slowly, at a pace that you feel comfortable with. Diving is meant to be something that is enjoyable, you don’t need to put unnecessary pressure on yourself. If you feel uncomfortable or nervous, at any point during your dive, it’s time to head back to the boat. Scuba training can show how you to be better prepared for learning which dives should be avoided.
- Always Know Air Supply Amounts – When going out for a dive, knowing your air limits is essential. It is vital that you ration air in your tank to ensure you have more than enough air for the duration of your dive. You don’t want to ever be in a situation where you are out of air. Ensuring you have enough air for the journey to your destination and the trip back is essential for any diving expedition. Attending scuba diving lessons can help with teaching you more about air supply maintenance.
- Pre-Dive Gear Check – It is crucial that you do one last check of your scuba diving equipment before getting into the water. The day of a dive can be an exciting time for all involved. However, that excitement can quickly turn to forgetfulness because of how eager you might be to get out on the water. Checking your scuba gear shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. The peace of mind that comes with a final check of your gear won’t have your mind questioning anything before you get into the water.
In summary, scuba diving can be one of the best ways to explore the water providing you always play it safe. Scouting out a destination that is safe and suits your scuba diving equipment and familiarity level is essential. You don’t want to find yourself at a location that has extreme weather conditions. If you do find yourself in a situation that seems too risky, end the scuba diving for a while. It’s wise to plan on having too much air for your dive than not enough, always plan ahead. Also, doing one final gear check before diving ensures that nothing is forgotten about. Statistics show that 567,000 young adults have taken up scuba diving in 2015, it’s vital to ensure that everyone stays safe while out on the water. Follow the previously mentioned tips in this list and you will be having a great and safe time scuba diving!
