Scuba diving is a life changing sport allowing you to seek underwater adventure in dreamy destinations all over the world – including hundreds of locations around the UK.
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Enjoyed by thousands of people around the world every day, scuba diving is considered a low-risk activity compared to many other outdoor and sporting activities.
Even such widespread activities as swimming, jogging, and all-terrain vehicle riding have higher reported fatality rates than diving. But like any sport, it does have risks.
How to stay safe scuba diving
The majority of scuba diving injuries and deaths are the result of diver error. So, it’s vitally important to get proper training and always follow the rules and procedures you learned in class.
Here an experienced PADI diver shares their tips for a safe journey underwater every time:
1. Check that the dive centre you’re diving with is a member of a recognised certification agency. You can find a list of PADI Dive Centres and Dive Resorts at padi.com.
2. Do not dive if you have doubts about the quality of any rental equipment you’re using (including the boat) or if the Instructor or Divemaster does not inspire confidence.
3. Never dive if you feel uncomfortable about any aspect of the trip. Peer pressure and the desire not to look stupid account for a lot of accidents.
4. Make sure you receive a thorough dive briefing that explains the conditions you are likely to encounter and the level of difficulty involved before you go diving.
5. Don’t dive if you think the sea is too rough, the current is too strong or the visibility is too poor. If you’re not comfortable with, or trained for the dive at hand, don’t do it.
6. Ask about first-aid facilities and check that the dive boat and centre have oxygen available for emergencies. Consider becoming a member of DAN (Divers Alert Network), which offers accident insurance and 24-hour specialist medical advice.
7. Take further training courses, especially the PADI Rescue Diver course, which teaches you to spot an accident before it happens.
8. Diving can be physically strenuous. Ensure you are healthy so that you can help yourself or another diver in an emergency.
9. Take responsibility for your own actions and don’t dive beyond your training and experience. It’s meant to be fun, not a test of bravery. Know your limits.
10. If you’re in any doubt, don’t dive.
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