Q2-Spring-2016_Alert-Diver

Competitive or extreme breath-hold diving is a

serious undertaking. These dives encompass a host

of logistical challenges and require rigorous safety

planning to conduct properly. Spearfishing and

recreational apnea diving are far more common

but do not have the same safeguards as organized

events. The buddy system, typically using a one-up-

one-down protocol, can offer some protection for

simple shallow activity in good visibility and water

conditions and with great diligence on the part of

the safety diver, but it can easily break down as

complexity increases. Dedicated one-on-one supervision

is critical even for swimmers doing laps underwater in a

pool — the presence of a lifeguard is not sufficient.

It is important to remember that close supervision

is required even after an apnea diver returns to the

surface. This attention should continue for no less

than 30 seconds to ensure that delayed impairment

of consciousness does not occur. Beyond breath-hold

physiology issues, the use of dive flags and floats and

selection of a dive site away from boat traffic can

increase safety.

Breath-hold diving can be safely enjoyed with a

minimum of equipment. Manage the risk by seeking

proper and professional training before undertaking

apnea diving. Multiple training agencies are dedicated

to freediving and freediving safety. For additional

background, download the proceedings of the 2006

breath-hold diving workshop

REFERENCE

1. Lindholm P, Pollock NW, Lundgren CEG, eds. Breath-hold diving. Proceedings of the Undersea and Hyperbaric

Medical Society/Divers Alert Network 2006 June 20-21 Workshop. Durham, NC: Divers Alert Network; 2006.

• Includes all meals, beverages and transfers

• Free Nitrox

• Tech diving available

• Nine spacious suites