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How to Be Safe While Diving

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Scuba diving is an enjoyable sport that involves swimming underwater while utilizing a compressed source of breathing gas. When you dive, it is important to follow a few simple guidelines to have an exciting time underwater and at the same time have a safe dive.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Choose scuba gear that fits. Look for a fit that is comfortable and does not allow for any water leakage. Booties and fins should fit snugly but comfortably and should not ride around or cause blisters. Visit a scuba diving store and consult a professional for advice about selecting well-fitting gear.

  2. Step 2

    Monitor your air supply and air consumption during your dive. This is very crucial to your safety. You should be aware of your dive boat or beach/point where you started. When your air pressure gauge reads 1,000 psi, this is the time to start heading back to your starting point, and at 500 psi, you should start your ascent.

  3. Step 3

    Weight yourself appropriately. Lead can be worn as part of your dive kit. The right amount of weight allows you to dive comfortably but not to be dragged down as you swim.

  4. Step 4

    Dive with a buddy. It is good to have a scuba diving buddy not only for the companionship but also because it is a safety factor.

  5. Step 5

    Drink only after you've finished diving. You want to have a clear head when you dive, and you also do not want to be dehydrated. Alcohol is dehydrating.

  6. Step 6

    Ascend slowly and do not hold your breath during this process. Pause as you reach 20 feet from the surface and then again at 10 feet. This will prevent any adverse reactions on the way up.

Tips & Warnings
  • Look for scuba diving training courses, which are offered through scuba diving agencies. Learning the proper procedures for diving will assure you the greatest amount of safety and will allow you to obtain diving certification.
  • Having diving certification allows you to rent equipment, refill oxygen tanks and dive without supervision. This certification can be achieved in as few as five open-water dives.

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