Diving

Diving is an unforgettable way to experience the wonders under the waves. Some say that diving is the closest thing to flying – so it’s easy to understand its appeal.

But diving can also be dangerous. On average there are 13 diving-related deaths in UK waters every year.

What causes diving fatalities?

Diving accidents can happen in the sea and in lakes, lochs and rivers. The most common reasons for diving-related deaths include:

Not having a dive plan, or not following it
Underlying medical conditions
Adverse weather
Poor choice of and/or inappropriate use of equipment.

Risks include drowning, decompression illness (known as 'the bends') and arterial air embolism, which is when bubbles in an artery block blood supply. Evidence shows that Immersion Pulmonary Odema (IPO) is an increasing cause and area for concern. This applies to anyone immersed in water, not just divers, such as open water swimmers, triathletes, etc.

Deaths often involve older males who have experience of diving.

How can I dive safely?

Here’s our top-line advice on diving safely.

Before your dive

Get your body checked

It's vital to make sure you're fit to dive. Talk to your doctor about how diving might affect you if you've got certain health conditions. Check which medicines are safe to use when you're diving.

Get trained

Many accidents can be avoided with proper training, building experience, good preparation and keeping diving skills up to date.

Get your kit checked

Make sure your equipment works properly and use gear that is appropriate for your planned dive.

Don't do it alone

Join a club and always dive with a buddy. If you dive alone there is the chance that no one will save and assist you if you require it.

Plan your dive and dive your plan

In other words, always make a plan for when you're underwater - and then stick to it. Monitor your instruments throughout the dive.

Get to know your environment

Check out local advice. Take time to familiarise yourself with local tides and currents. Learn which fish, coral and other hazards you need to avoid to prevent injury.

Thinking of cave diving?

Be aware that this is very dangerous. You should attempt it only if you're properly trained and have suitable equipment.

Plan for an emergency

Make sure you know how to help and how to raise help if you need it.

How are you feeling today?

If you've got a cold or any congestion in your ears or nose, you shouldn't dive. And you should never drink alcohol or take drugs before driving.

During your dive

Obey all diving instructions

As you descend, make sure you equalise your ears and mask. At depth, stay inside the parameters of the dive tables and computer. This information helps you avoid decompression illness (DCI).

Try not to panic

If you become confused or afraid during a dive, stop and try to relax and regain control. Ask for help from your dive buddy or dive master.

Don't hold your breath when ascending

Take your ascent slowly and breathe normally. If air cannot escape in a natural way, pressure within the lungs increase and can cause decompression illness (DCI).

After your dive

Keep a close eye on yourself

If you don't feel well or are in pain after diving contact the Diver emergency helplines:

- For England, Wales and Northern Ireland contact 07831 151 523
- For Scotland contact 0345 408 6008

Wait before you get on a plane

After diving, before flying in a pressurised aircraft, follow your decompression tables or computer and don't fly for at least 16 hours.
Preferably allow 24 hours before flying especially after decompression dives or flying in unpressurised aircraft.

What should I do in an emergency?

For diver evacuation in an emergency in the UK:

At sea: call the coastguard on VHF Channel 16 or phone 999. The coastguard will coordinate the rescue and/or evacuation. Follow their instructions and prepare for a helicopter or lifeboat
On land: call 999 or the diver emergency helplines: England, Wales and Northern Ireland 07831 151 523, Scotland 0345 408 6008. Help will come via an ambulance or helicopter, depending on the distance to a decompression chamber and the severity of your condition.

Angling

Read our tips on how to stay safe when you're out fishing.

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