A Rude Awakening
Although training emphasizes the theoretical aspects of safe freediving, sometimes it takes real-world experience to really make it sink in. Freediving is risky so it is always important to have your skills sharp.
Alert Diver Category: Skills in Action
An Emergency Ascent Just in Time
Dive safety experts now advise divers to always dive with their tank valves completely open — not turned back a half or quarter turn. Are you up to date on the rules? Read one diver’s story.
When the Unexpected Happens
The onset of pain in my left ear was sudden and excruciating. I knew something was wrong, so I gripped the anchor line and stopped ascending. My buddy saw me stop, and I communicated via hand signals that something was not right with my ear and that I needed to pause our ascent.
It’s the Little Things
Seemingly minor problems can amount to bigger ones underwater. Predive
anxiety and a fogged mask compounded to nearly trigger a state of panic in
this diver.
Save a Diver, Save Yourself
Divers can’t save themselves unless they understand what’s happening and how to evaluate the problem, keep breathing and act. It sounds simple, but the rescue diver course helped me solidify my safety and survival skills. I may not remember every detail, but one item still stands out for me as invaluable for a new diver: Any dive can be stopped at any time, for any reason, without question. To that I would add “and without embarrassment.” That advice would eventually save me.
Prepared to Act
Pure oxygen can save a person’s life when administered correctly — but oxygen administration is a skill not everyone has. Learn more.
Teamwork and Training
About to start a dive, a group of divers were asked to help a potential drowning victim. Training kicked in and they provided relief. Read more about this heroic story.
A Unique Solution
In an effort to improve the facility’s diver rescue capabilities, Dutch Springs recently upgraded its rescue vessel to a custom-built pontoon boat with a platform for transporting an injured diver.
Do Something!
Even if your skills aren’t perfect, you can still make a difference. Read a first-person story about how basic first-aid skills came in handy in saving a life.
Proactive & Prepared
When emergency response is made as accessible and efficient as possible, it’s much easier for divers to embrace the culture of dive safety. Divers are more apt to remind each other to be cautious and to watch out for each other with increased vigilance.