How safe is diving?

One of the most common things people say when discussing whether or not they would try scuba diving is that they are concerned about how safe it really is. It’s a valid concern, after all, this is an activity that involves immersing yourself in the unknown world that lurks below the surface of the water. The human body isn’t designed to survive underwater, so it’s natural to be a bit apprehensive when doing so. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how safe scuba diving really is!

Is diving dangerous?

There really isn’t a definitive answer to the question, ‘Is scuba diving dangerous?’ The truth is that yes, it can be dangerous. However, it is not dangerous in the same sense that something like running free is considered dangerous. It’s more comparable to the kind of danger involved in crossing a busy street. There are risks involved, but if you take the necessary precautions and don’t take unnecessary risks, the chance of getting hurt while diving is minimal.

It’s all about the training

Making sure you’re safe when you go diving comes down to having the right training. No reputable dive tour company would let you in the water without prior training! It is important to learn the basics of safe diving early on and you will go through all the same safety checks and drills over and over again until they become second nature and these same checks and drills will be what you need. do in the water Safety is paramount when it comes to diving and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) recommended training courses have been developed over fifty years based on scientific and medical research as well as divers’ personal experience to ensure that it provides an excellent foundation in security.

Your basic dive safety checklist

To give you an idea of ​​the type of safety checks we are talking about, take a look at this brief summary of the type of checklist that is carried out once all the divers are in their scuba gear and ready to enter the water. It is by no means an exhaustive checklist and is not a substitute for proper PADI-approved training, but it will give you an idea of ​​what to expect. The way most divers remember the checklist is by using the acronym BWARF, which some people remember by saying “Burger with Gravy and Fries.” The letters represent the following:

B: Buoyancy or BCD – It’s important to make sure everything is hooked up correctly, the flush valves are working properly, and the tank is securely attached.

W: Weights – Then make sure your weight belt is attached securely and the manual release is set.

A: Air – Double check that your air is on and check that your friend has theirs on as well. Check your pressure level and make sure air is going to the main regulator and to the octopus.

A: Release – Check all releases to make sure you know how to release them in an emergency. You also need to make sure they are all securely fastened.

F: Final OK – Lastly, do a final check to see if the mask and fins are on correctly and check that your partner is OK too.