DAN World's Guide to Smart Diving
Make sure you're well enough to dive before entering the water
A successful dive is one in which you have a great time, and return safely. Being fit and healthy is vital for a safe dive, not just for you but for your dive companions too.
Dive healthy
Being fit and healthy is always important, but if you're planning a dive, do an honest assessment to decide if you're medically fit. Be vigilant for signs of illness like congestion, and familiarise yourself with any risks and essential precautions associated with chronic disease.
- Don't dive when you're sick
- Don't dive if you know your strength and stamina is below par
- Be prepared to postpone your dive if you know you are not fully recovered
- Talk to a doctor if symptoms persist or you're worried.
- Some health conditions may create risks to you and your dive buddies. Talk to your doctor if you're not sure.
Dive fit
Being physically fit means you have sufficient aerobic capacity, cardiovascular health and physical strength for the demands of your diving environment.
Before diving, ask yourself:
- Could I cope with a strong current?
- Am I fit enough for a long surface swim?
- Could I help my dive buddies in an emergency?
These top tips will help you get - and remain - dive-fit:
- Diving requires a decent level of fitness. Swimming laps, strength training, and flexibility and balance exercises are all vital to ensure you are fit enough to dive
- Aerobic exercises and muscle strengthening are essential for physical fitness
- If you're over 40 and don't normally exercise, talk to your doctor first
- Learn how to fin swim. Divers need fins to swim against a current - without these skills, y ou may not be able to create sufficient propulsion to overcome a strong current
- Increase your physical fitness activities in the weeks leading up to a dive - allow for at least six weeks
- Join your local dive club for specific training opportunities
To avoid increased risk of decompression sickness, DAN recommends avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours after a dive.
Stay safe and enjoy your dive!
