Many people choose to get their scuba diving certifications in the summer, so you’ll encounter more newbies in the water at this time than at any other time of the year. Even if you have been diving for years, it’s important to be aware of the common scuba diving mistakes many make to stay safe while diving in the deep blue.
Lack of Buddy Communication
If you are planning a dive trip this summer, you’ll likely be diving with people you don’t already know. When the two of you are unfamiliar with each other’s diving styles, you can get into trouble or even worse, an emergency situation. Get to know your dive buddy beforehand, and agree on your communication signals well before you get into the water.
Overlooking the Buoyancy Check
When diving in the summer, you are probably wearing a lighter wetsuit than you wore when the weather was colder. Don’t skip the buoyancy check at the beginning of your dive, even if your most recent dive was just last week, as it is a crucial component of scuba diving safety. Even a small fluctuation in the amount of weight you are carrying can have a significant impact.
Ignoring Air Consumption
Paying attention to air consumption is one of the most important things to remember when scuba diving. Your body uses air differently in warm water than it does in the cold. You should always keep an eye on your tank, even if you think you know how much you have left.
Disregarding the Dive Plan
When on a scuba diving trip, you will most likely be diving in areas that are unfamiliar to you. Pay close attention during the pre-dive brief so that you know exactly what to expect. This will benefit not just your safety, but your enjoyment as well.
Not Allowing Enough Time Between Dives
After you have planned an exciting dive trip, it’s only natural to want to spend as much time underwater as possible. However, not waiting long enough between dives puts you at risk of nitrogen saturation, which could potentially sideline you for the rest of the trip. Always follow the appropriate dive schedule to ensure your safety.
Gear Up at A-1 Scuba
Now that you know the common mistakes to avoid when diving this summer, it’s time to stock up on scuba gear. In addition to providing all the equipment you need, we also offer scuba diving lessons in Denver. Sign up today so that you are ready to scuba dive all summer long!
