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Diving Dangers
by Zak Breezer
http://www.bsdiving.com
Adventurous souls frequently tackle one exciting hobby
after another. From rock climbing to white water rafting,
they're always looking for the next great rush that they
can experience by confronting physical challenges or even
danger. As long as they prudently get the training and
preparation they need for such excursions, they should be
able to avoid many potential risks.
Underwater diving is definitely one of the activities
sought by such adventure-seekers as it can be both exciting
and dangerous. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the two
varieties of diving available to people and each comes with
its own specialized equipment and necessary training. A
wet suit and an oxygen tank allow expert swimmers to
experience the depths of the sea. Shallow areas such as
reefs are accessible to snorkelers, who also must be great
swimmers. Extreme care is necessary for either activity.
The sudden loss of oxygen is probably the biggest threat.
Should the diver's tank suddenly lose pressure, get
damaged, or even become lost, they must immediately surface
or risk drowning. It is also possible for a snorkeler to
be suddenly cut off from their oxygen supply and
necessesitate a mad dash to the boat or shore. It is
essential for the diver to check the tank prior to going
underwater to see that it is functioning properly and then
to keep tabs on it while diving. A simple kink in the line
could spell disaster when down below.
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.
The greatest threat for some, at least mentally if not
physically, comes from man-eating sharks like the great
white species. These creatures can grow to a length of 20
feet or more. There are several accounts on record to show
that they can and will attack humans, leading to extreme
bleeding from injuries, the loss of a limb, or even death.
To avoid this problem, it is best to stay away from the
known feeding grounds of underwater predators like the
shark. Eels and jellyfish are other kinds of defensive
creatures whose stings can be serious.
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