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conserve strength as much as possible. You can do that
by resting on your back in a floating position with a
minimum amount of motion.
We have said this before, but we will say it again:
NEVER drink and swim. Alcohol and water are a deadly
combination. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and your
body loses heat faster. It also impairs your judgment and
increases risk-taking.
Look before you dive! Shallow water dives could
leave you paralyzed for life. It did for two Navy people
in 1992. Know the depth of the water before your dive.
Never dive in unknown waters.
If you have a history of ear trouble, check with your
doctor before swimming. Try to avoid swimming
underwater. You may use commercial plugs to keep
water out of the ear canal. If you fear eye infections or
irritations, wear a face mask or goggles.
Except in an emergency, avoid swimming in the
dark. Finally, never jokingly call for help.
Scuba, Skin, and Cave Diving
Skin diving, scuba diving, and cave diving are
demanding swimming sports that require a person to be
in good physical condition. These activities also require
good swimming ability and a thorough knowledge of the
sport. Two Navy service members drown almost every
year during recreational diving. The main reason is lack
of training and certification. Proper certification is
essential to diving safely. Open water scuba diving
certification does not qualify a person for cave or cavern
diving.
All divers should get a physical examination by a
doctor who is aware of the special hazards and demands
of underwater diving. Heart problems, sinus or ear
problems, lung trouble, and related health difficulties
could make it risky for an affected individual to dive.
All divers should observe the following basic safety
rules for diving:
NEVER drink alcohol before diving.
NEVER dive until you are a good swimmer.
Stay in top physical condition.
NEVER dive alone-use the buddy system.
Use safe, reliable, time-proven equipment. Make
sure your equipment is properly adjusted and
maintained. Be familiar with your equipment.
Be familiar with your diving area before diving,
and plan each dive. If you are unfamiliar with the
area, get instruction from a knowledgeable
source.
Always usc a float with surface identification
(diver’s flag). This identification helps during
rescue or for self-rescue.
Heed all pains and strains as warning symptoms.
Know basic first aid.
Know and obey all local diving laws and
regulations.
Join a reputable diving club.
Know the basic laws of diving physics and
physiology.
Practice skin diving frequently before scuba
diving.
NEVER wear goggles or earplugs when skin or
scuba diving. They are swimming aids, not
diving aids.
Engage only in diving exercises that are
consistent with your training and experience.
You should observe the following basic safety
precautions for scuba diving:
11-5
NEVER use pure oxygen in your tank; it is poison
to a diver. Instead, usc clean, filtered, certified,
compressed air.
Know your decompression rules and avoid
planned decompression dives.
Set up a system of communication with other
divers; develop emergency procedures and
procedures for reuniting in case of separation.
NEVER hold your breath while scuba diving.
NEVER dive when suffering from a cold, sore
throat, or when feeling ill.
NEVER ascend faster than 60 feet per minute. A
usually safe rule of thumb is “NEVER ascend
faster than the slowest bubbles.”
Wear a buoyancy compensation device and
submersible pressure gauge.
Adjust buoyancy to be slightly positive on full
inhalation.
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