Freshwater Divers are a group of people who enjoy diving in freshwater instead of saltwater. They make their gear, use recycled equipment, and are environmentally conscious. Freshwater Divers are known as “aquanauts” and “underwater housers.” In the United States, the group is primarily made up of people who live in the Great Lakes, and inland rivers. Here, we will go over eight safety tips for freshwater divers.
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Always Wear a Life Jacket
This is not optional. If you are diving in freshwater, you will be diving under the water. You will be submerged in the water, and exposed to all kinds of hazards that can kill you if they are not dealt with. While many people think that a life jacket adds weight to their dive gear, this is not true. A life jacket is an essential part of your dive according to the Southern Divers and should be worn at all times while driving. Freshwater divers should always wear a life jacket when underwater.
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Learn How to Swim
Freshwater Divers are required to know how to swim before they dive. This is because freshwater diving is a very different experience than saltwater diving. Freshwater divers will have to learn how to breathe underwater, use their hands and feet underwater, and move around underwater as well as on dry land. This means that a person who is not comfortable swimming in freshwater will not enjoy themselves when they dive.
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Avoid Alcoholic Drinks, Drugs, and Smoking
Alcohol, drugs, and smoking are all dangerous when you are diving. While alcohol will not make you sick, it can make you lose consciousness. Drugs and smoking can cause you to pass out underwater, which can be dangerous.
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Always Swim With Someone You Trust
It is a good idea to make sure that your dive buddy is a safe diver. If they have not gone diving before, it is best to take them out on a shallow dive first. If they are experienced divers, then their judgment is usually pretty good. Please make sure that they know how to use all the safety gear they will be using during the dive.
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Be Prepared for Any Outcome
When diving in a freshwater environment, many variables can go wrong. If you have been in the water for less than 30 minutes, or if it is a cloudy day, you might not see the bottom. If your dive light fails, a piece breaks off your regulator or your tank leaks. Then you could be underwater for an extended period. When planning your dive and gear checklist, make sure to include items that can help you survive an emergency.
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Always Use an Air Tank
When diving in a freshwater environment, you will need an air tank to breathe. Freshwater Divers should always use an air tank when diving. If you want to swim in freshwater, and don’t want to carry an air tank, then you can rent one from dive shops, or dive shops will sell them for you.
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Always Check the Freshwater Diving Conditions
Before heading out on a dive, make sure that the conditions are safe for diving. If it is too hot, you could be in danger of passing out. If it is too cold, you will not be able to enjoy yourself and might become ill. Ensure that the water temperature is at least 70F degrees Fahrenheit and that it has been at least an hour since the previous dive.
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Know Your Limits
Freshwater Divers should know the limits of their abilities. If you are a strong diver and have been diving for a long time, you should be able to handle most situations that might arise on your dive. Freshwater Divers who are not very strong, or have not been diving for long should stick with shallow dives.
If you are a Freshwater Diver and have been diving for a while, you should know how to stay safe underwater. If you follow the tips above, then you will be able to enjoy your freshwater diving.