The Dangers of Diving
by Zak Breezer
http://www.bsdiving.com
People with a hunger for excitement are often taking on one
adventure or other. Be it rock climbing or shooting down
the rapids in a canoe along some river, they constantly
seek out physically demanding activities and even danger.
Most of the potential dangers may be averted through
adequate preparation and training.
One of the most tempting and dangerous challenges attempted
by the adventurous at heart is underwater diving with scuba
diving and snorkeling being the two options to choose from
for this activity. Both require specialized equipment and
training. Scuba diving allows expert swimmers to explore
the depths of the sea with a wet suit and oxygen tank.
Snorkeling is an activity for great swimmers which allows
them the freedom to explore shallower areas such as reefs.
Caution is necessary in both cases.
The greatest concern is perhaps the loss of oxygen. If a
scuba diver's air tank empties quickly or becomes damaged
or lost, that person must return to the surface promptly to
escape drowning. Someone who snorkels likewise might be
cut off from his or her air supply, requiring an emergency
return to the boat or shore. It's important to make sure
the air tank works properly before going underwater and
then to monitor its workings while hooked up. Even
something as minute as a kink in the hose can present
danger.
Another danger to be careful of for divers is the bends.
Submerging or surfacing too rapidly are the cause of this
condition in which higher-than-normal levels of oxygen
enter into the bloodstream and wreak havoc on the
circulatory system. The bends can be deadly if they are
not properly tended to immediately. Always bring a diving
buddy along and it would also be a good idea to keep
someone in the boat above while diving so they can get help
in the event of an emergency.
Some consider the biggest threat, if not physically then at
least mentally, to be the presence of man-consuming sharks
like the feared Great White. With several recorded at
lengths exceeding 20 feet and a history of attacking people
and causing dismemberment, severe bleeding, and even death,
it is no wonder why they are so feared in the diving
community. This is why it is a very good idea to stay away
from known feeding grounds of sharks. There are other
creatures whose defensive sting is something to be avoided
such as that of the jellyfish or eel.
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