Scuba diving is a recreational water sport that countless
people enjoy all around the world. Diving affords the adventurous souls to see
what lies beneath ocean's surface. Scuba divers have the opportunity to see
sunken ships, coral reefs, and a broad spectrum of sea creatures. The
experience is one few ever forget.
Scuba Diving: It is not all beauty and adventure
One thing that many scuba divers forget is that as beautiful
and interesting as scuba diving is, if you and your dive partner do not take
proper safety measures an assortment of injuries, ailments, or even death can
occur. Illnesses and other injuries take place when accidents happen, equipment
fails, or when ignoring proper diving procedures. The following are some common
dangers associated with scuba diving.
- The Bends/Decompression Sickness - Decompression sickness
is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. Divers need to pay close attention
when ascending because of the body's absorption of nitrogen. If a diver does
not take the adequate time to release the nitrogen, build up an assortment of
issues can arise. A diver with decompression sickness can experience a skin
rash, aching joints, paralysis and in extreme cases, death.
- Barotrauma - If someone suffers from barotrauma, he or she
has damaged their inner ear because they have not kept themselves equalized.
Preventing damage to the inner ear courtesy of underwater pressure is done a
few ways. The most common things divers do is pinching their nose shut and
blowing. Other options include swallowing or chewing, both options force air
into the middle ear.
- Sea Creatures - Scuba divers need to remember one factor,
as beautiful and as interesting as sea creatures and sea life are, they do pose
potential threats. Scuba divers need to stay alert and not touch things or get
to close to dangerous sea creatures. Sharks, stingrays, and other creatures
pose potential risks if not respected.
- Malfunctioning equipment - Whether you own or rent diving
equipment it is essential to give it a thorough check before heading to the
water.
Decompression sickness can occur if a depth gauge is broken.
If there are issues with a regulator is it possible for the scuba diver to
drown. Never rent, or use, scuba gear that appears faulty in any way. Using
suspect gear could lead to sickness or death.
Scuba diving is a wonderful activity for those that want
underwater experiences. By paying special attention to potential threats, scuba
divers can afford a host of injuries, sicknesses, and even death.
Scuba diving dangers are not something to take lightly. Get
the proper certification, listen to your dive guides, and look out for your
diving partner.