Scuba diving or simply, swimming under the water is one of the most enjoyed water activities in the world. With the aid of compressed gas cylinders and other equipment, divers can actually remain underwater as long as possible – hours or days! There can be no doubt that scuba diving is both a pleasurable and dangerous activity at the same time. If you are thinking of scuba diving or you are already into this type of water activity, learning about the perks and hazards of diving can be very useful.
The Pleasures of Scuba Diving
Although it is a seemingly hazardous activity, there are still tons of people who dive into this form of sport or recreation. This is not surprising at all since it offers a lot of gratification and benefits such as the following:
• Stress relief – Scuba diving can help in reducing stress. According to scuba divers, there can be no other “stress-less environment” than underwater. Hence, if you wish to escape to a place filled with relaxation, it can be a great and fun activity that you may try. The tranquility and weightlessness of the underwater scene can soothe your mind and aching muscles.
• It is not as difficult as people might think – The truth is scuba diving is not considered as an intense sport. The two skills that you need are: breathing and swimming. You just have to undergo a bit of training or lesson and you are good to go.
• See marvelous water creatures – When underwater, you will get the chance to meet an amazing array of marine life. You will be amazed with the stunning biodiversity under the oceans. There can be no other better experience than seeing the underwater scene in your very own eyes.
• Marine life protection and preservation – Exploring underwater creatures makes you sea creatures in the natural environment without having to held them captive.
The Dangers of Scuba Diving
Surely, scuba diving is one of the most magnificent underwater sports out there. Although it is really pleasurable, there are also dangers that are associated with it such as what follows:
• Decompression sickness – Among the most prevalent perils in it is decompression sickness. Remaining underwater for long periods of time can lead to this problem. This can affect anyone at varying degrees such as nitrogen poisoning which takes place when a diver have stayed for too long in a very deep part of the water. Another form is the bends which happens when a diver is deep under water and suddenly arise above the surface. Both of these results to disorientation and lightheadedness, which at worst, leads to death.
• Asphyxia – This happens when carbon dioxide has not been eliminated by ample ventilation or absorbents. Scuba divers and hard-hat divers are most likely to experience this.
• Drowning – Drowning can happen at anytime when the diver losses air supply and failed to reach above the surface in a short time. This is usually caused by equipment failure.
Overall, there is both pleasure and danger in scuba diving. Hence, aspiring divers must exercise caution while swimming under water.
Carlene Lowe