During the summer heat, many of you are looking for any way to cool off. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of a few safety rules.
It’s important to remember the risks of our sport during any pool training, but especially in open water. Fortunately, our instructors are there to constantly remind you of the precautions to take and best practices.
PREPARATION
1. Never dive alone. Always dive under the supervision of an instructor or a trusted buddy.
2. Respect the safety and evacuation rules of each dive site (emergency numbers/oxygen/AED). Display the safety sign and the risk of collision on the rope with scuba divers (see La Roche Fontaine).
3. Always prepare a briefing to avoid surprises (location, weather conditions, entry and exit, visibility, currents/anchor points, thermocline, pontoon, first aid station, etc.).
4. Bring a sturdy buoy, inspect the rope with the pulley, the weight, the stopper, and the depth indicator (possibly with a torch).
5. Always remember to hydrate well before and after the dive 🙂
DEPTH
6. Always use a lanyard (especially in low visibility), a flashlight on your mask or belt, and ask your buddy to check the system thoroughly before each descent. Check your buddy’s weight.
7. Know the depth you are descending to and the time it will take to return to the surface.
8. Keep in mind the surface rest points discussed during your training.
9. Decide in advance who will be responsible for your safety.
10. Feel the rope when your buddy begins to turn, observe and locate them.
11. Depart at the right time as backup, be prepared for any sudden changes in the situation, and react quickly. Anticipate!
12. Respect surface protocol.
If you have any questions, contact your instructor; they are there for you. Practice rescues regularly with a trusted buddy/instructor. Please note that AIDA also offers specific training on this topic!
Thanks to Jana, Olivier, and Paul for this little reminder 😉
See you soon, and stay safe!