Being underwater is a great experience. Trained divers have the ability to explore the beautiful flora and fauna and enjoy interaction with aquatic life. All the formations-associations worldwide teach in their courses how to explore that world safely. However, problems can arise, and with the wrong reaction, the diver can find himself in a life-threatening situation. The following skills increase your self-rescue abilities and help you in the unlikely event of trouble underwater.
1.) Good buoyancy control is the most important skill for diving. It avoids having to fight to maintain the position of the divers on the surface and underwater. It helps you stay off the bottom, reducing the risk of aquatic injury and protecting underwater life and preventing damage to your gear.
2.) Proper airway control allows you to breathe easily if you have small amounts of water in your snorkel or regulator, thus preventing suffocation. Simply use your tongue as splash protection.
3.) Avoid dehydration. Dehydration can cause cramps even on relaxed dives with good visibility and no current. If a cramp occurs, be aware of cramp elimination procedures. Get the attention of your buddies, stop, rest (hold something if necessary), continue at a slower pace, or abort the dive and surface with your buddy.
4.) Handle problems with your correct air supply. There are several options to handle these types of problems and student divers learn them at the entry level. Keep practicing them with your buddy from time to time at the end of a dive during the safety stop. If you like to dive solo (not recommended by most dive associations), take a pony bottle or self-contained ascent bottle.
5.) Vertigo (loss of sense of direction and balance) can occur in deep dives or in mid-water when you have no reference and it is an unpleasant experience, so you must respond correctly before it becomes a serious problem. Vertigo can cause stress and nausea. When you feel disoriented, you need to get the attention of your fellow divers right away. Try to make contact with a fixed object or with your partner. Hugging yourself can also work. Watch your bubbles for their up and down orientation.
Following these guidelines will help you in a self-rescue situation. Practice and perfect your diving skills often or sign up for a refresher program if you haven’t dived in a while.