What Not To Do Before & After SCUBA Diving
Lauren December 31st, 2024 Posted In: Articles Tags: SCUBA
SCUBA diving is an incredible way to explore the underwater world, but it’s not without its rules and best practices. From preparing for your dive to recovering afterward, knowing what not to do can make a big difference in your safety and overall enjoyment.
In short, avoid drinking alcohol before a dive, skip heavy exercise right after, and steer clear of air travel too soon. These are just a few key points, but there’s more to dive into (pun intended). Below, we explore the essential “don’ts” for both before and after your SCUBA adventures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience!
What Not To Do Before SCUBA Diving
Preparing for a dive is more than just packing your gear. Certain activities or habits can negatively impact your performance and safety underwater. Here are some of the most critical things you should avoid:
1. Don’t Consume Alcohol
It may seem obvious, but alcohol is a no-go before SCUBA diving. Drinking dehydrates your body, impairs your judgment, and increases your risk of the bends, or, decompression sickness. Even a drink or two the night before can have lingering effects, so it’s best to steer clear of alcohol entirely in the 24 hours leading up to your dive.
2. Don’t Fly Too Close to Your Dive
Flying before SCUBA diving can increase your nitrogen levels, which could put you at greater risk of decompression sickness. If you’re flying into a dive destination, try to allow at least 24 hours to acclimate before hitting the water. This waiting period helps ensure your body is ready to handle the pressure changes associated with diving.
3. Don’t Skip Sleep
Sleep is crucial for your physical and mental performance above and underwater. Diving requires focus, energy, and alertness, so showing up tired can lead to mistakes. Aim for at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep before your dive.
4. Don’t Eat a Heavy Meal Right Before Diving
A large, greasy meal before a dive can leave you feeling sluggish or even nauseous once you’re in the water. Stick to a light, balanced meal a couple of hours beforehand, focusing on easily digestible foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
5. Don’t Forget to Check Your Gear
While this one might seem less obvious, failing to inspect your gear can lead to complications underwater. Be sure everything is in working order, and don’t wait until you’re on the boat to realize your SCUBA diving wetsuit doesn’t fit or your tank isn’t filled.
What Not To Do After SCUBA Diving
Once your dive is done, it’s tempting to relax and let your guard down. However, there are still post-dive practices you need to follow to stay safe and comfortable.
1. Don’t Fly Immediately After Diving
Flying after diving is one of the most common mistakes divers make. When you ascend too quickly (like during a flight), the nitrogen absorbed in your body during the dive can expand, increasing the risk of decompression sickness. Divers should wait at least 12–24 hours before boarding a plane, depending on how many dives they’ve done and how deep they went.
2. Don’t Engage in Intense Exercise
Strenuous physical activity right after diving can disrupt your body’s ability to off-gas nitrogen effectively. Stick to light activities like walking or stretching and save the intense workouts for the next day.
3. Don’t Skip Hydration
Diving can dehydrate you due to factors like breathing compressed air and spending time in saltwater. Dehydration is also a contributing factor to decompression sickness, so drink plenty of water after your dive to help your body recover.
4. Don’t Ignore Any Symptoms
After diving, pay close attention to how you’re feeling. Symptoms like joint pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath could indicate decompression sickness or other dive-related injuries. If anything feels off, seek medical attention immediately.
Things to Avoid: A Listicle for Divers
Here’s a quick roundup of additional “don’ts” to keep in mind:
Before Diving:
- Avoid diving on an empty stomach, as low energy can affect your focus underwater.
- Don’t dive if you’re feeling unwell, especially with colds or congestion, which can make equalizing difficult.
- Avoid overexerting yourself during your pre-dive preparation. Save your energy for the dive itself.
After Diving:
- Don’t expose yourself to extreme heat, like a hot tub or sauna, as this can increase circulation and potentially worsen nitrogen buildup.
- Avoid rushing to pack your gear and leave; take time to rest and properly care for your equipment.
- Don’t go diving again too soon after an intense dive session without allowing your body to fully recover.
Additional Tips for a Safe Dive
- Plan Your Dive, Dive Your Plan: Always know your dive profile and stick to it. Deviating from your plan can lead to unnecessary risks.
- Buddy Check: Never dive alone, and always communicate clearly with your dive buddy. A second set of eyes can catch potential issues you might miss.
- Stay Warm: Wearing a properly fitted wetsuit for diving can help regulate your body temperature during and after your dive, especially in colder waters.
Conclusion: What Not To Do Before & After SCUBA Diving
SCUBA diving is an amazing way to explore and be one with the underwater world, but it comes with responsibilities. Knowing what not to do before and after SCUBA diving can keep you safe, comfortable, and ready for more adventures.
From avoiding alcohol and heavy meals pre-dive to steering clear of flights and intense workouts post-dive, these practices ensure your body stays in optimal condition for the pressures of diving. By following these guidelines, you’ll not only enjoy your dives more but also protect yourself from potential risks.
