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How to Overcome Panic on a Dive

How to Overcome Panic on a Dive

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on January 14, 2016

Scuba diving is, at times, a contradictory activity. Underwater, the world is peaceful and quiet, filled with natural beauty. On the other hand, people can’t breathe underwater without artificial aids, and this can sometimes lead to panic on a dive.

There are a lot of reasons a diver may panic beneath the surface: claustrophobia, inexperience, getting caught in a mass of kelp, or an unexpected tank bump from a shark. Whatever the reason, losing your cool during a dive is a potentially dangerous and life-threatening situation. Coming to grips with anxiety on a dive is a vital skill all divers should have. Here are some simple tips for overcoming panic on a dive, allowing you to stay in control and get yourself — and your buddies — to the surface safely.

Know the signs

Increased heart rate, rapid breathing or feeling like you can’t breathe, a “butterflies in your stomach” feeling, sweating, chills, or even the inability to speak are all signs of panic. If you see these signs in yourself or someone else, focus on controlling your breathing and assessing what is causing this reaction.

Practice, practice, practice

Being comfortable in the water is your best defense against panic. Practice skills like buddy breathing and clearing your mask often. If you have been out of the water for some time, check into a refresher course at your local dive center to make sure you are comfortable with all the necessary skills.

Think before you dive

If you find yourself feeling anxious or breathing faster before you even get in the water, take a moment to think about why. Is this dive deeper than you normally go? Is bad visibility causing concern? Remember that anyone can call a dive at any time. Consider carefully if you should be participating in a dive that is causing you discomfort before you’ve even donned your gear.

Plan ahead

Before you head to the dock or the shore, think about scenarios that could cause panic in you or a fellow diver. Have a solid plan in your head about how to react in each situation. Review these plans repeatedly until they become reflexive.

Be comfortable with your gear, and your fellow divers

A properly fitting wetsuit is a must. Feeling squeezed by your suit can exacerbate a feeling of claustrophobia. Another skill to practice is finding your backup air supply while in the water. Make sure your equipment is in good working order and is set up so you can get to your backup regulator quickly and easily. Don’t be afraid to talk about emergency scenarios with your dive buddies. Confidence in your fellow divers can go a long way toward peace of mind and avoiding panic on a dive!

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro