Is Scuba Diving Safe?

A scuba diver explores the serene depths at 10 meters, surrounded by the tranquil blue of the underwater world.

Just like every other extreme sport, scuba diving carries some risks. When we dive, we push the limits of nature and breathe in an environment where humans normally shouldn't—underwater.

With that comes the responsibility to understand how our bodies adapt to these changes. So, what makes diving different from being on land?

The Role of Pressure

The first major factor our bodies must handle underwater is pressure. Pressure increases significantly when we descend because water is much denser and heavier than air, exerting more force on our bodies.

Fortunately, since our bodies are mostly composed of water, external pressure has little effect on our tissues—at least in recreational diving. However, air spaces in our body (such as our lungs, nose, ears, and sinuses) are affected by pressure changes. As we descend, these air spaces shrink due to increased pressure, which is why our ears hurt if we don’t equalize properly.

Equalization: The Key to Comfort

Equalization is how we balance the pressure in our air spaces with the surrounding water pressure. We automatically equalize our lungs by breathing, and we can equalize our ears using the Valsalva maneuver (gently pinching the nose and blowing) or simply swallowing—just like on an airplane.

Another air space we create while diving is inside our mask, which allows us to see underwater. This space must also be equalized by gently exhaling through the nose. That’s why a mask with a nose pocket is essential for scuba diving.

The Golden Rule: Never Hold Your Breath

One of the most important safety rules in diving is to never hold your breath. Breathing continuously allows our lungs to adapt to pressure changes. If a diver holds their breath and ascends, the air inside their lungs expands as pressure decreases, which can lead to lung overexpansion injuries—similar to an overfilled balloon bursting. This is one of the most dangerous risks in diving, but it’s completely avoidable. As long as you keep breathing normally, your lungs will stay safe.

Safe Ascent and Descent

Closely tied to the “never hold your breath” rule is the guideline to ascend no faster than 9 meters (30 feet) per minute. A slow descent is also recommended, though a fast descent is usually not as dangerous as a fast ascent.

When we descend, our air spaces compress due to increased pressure. When we ascend, the opposite happens—air expands as pressure decreases. A rapid ascent can lead to decompression sickness (also known as “the bends”) or lung overexpansion injuries. By ascending slowly and allowing our bodies time to adjust, we prevent these risks. All scuba-certified divers know and understand these injuries, that's why it's important to complete a good course from a respectable training agency.

The Importance of Exposure Protection

Another major difference between water and air is how quickly heat is lost. Water absorbs heat 25 times faster than air, which is why we use wetsuits to maintain body temperature. Even in warm water, prolonged exposure can lead to heat loss and fatigue.

The Three Essential Rules of Safe Diving

To summarize, diving is safe as long as we follow three fundamental rules:

1. Never hold your breath – Always breathe continuously to prevent lung overexpansion.

2. Ascend slowly – No faster than 9 meters per minute to avoid decompression sickness and injuries.

3. Never dive alone – Always dive with a buddy for safety and to have an extra air source if needed.

Physical Fitness and Diving

Scuba diving requires a reasonable level of fitness. The equipment can weigh between 15-25 kg (33-55 lbs) on land, and a typical dive lasts about an hour, requiring sustained effort to swim and stay warm. Since we take our bodies into an environment they weren’t naturally designed for, we must ensure they can handle the changes.

Conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and other serious health issues may not be compatible with diving. Always consult a doctor if you have concerns about your health before diving.

Final Thoughts

While diving places us in an environment that could be dangerous, it is incredibly easy to stay safe when following the rules. That’s why it’s essential to dive with a trusted diving center that maintains high safety standards and provides well-maintained equipment.

Thanks to modern technology, we now have the incredible ability to breathe underwater and explore an entirely different world. When done safely, scuba diving is one of the most rewarding and awe-inspiring experiences, allowing us to witness nature in its purest form.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

Curious to try it for the first time? Join us for our beginner course! We have the ideal facilities for newbies, as our pool and sea entry from the beach are both within a few steps of our base. The pool is there to introduce you to your equipment before embarking on the adventure of a lifetime—taking your first breaths underwater! We can adjust our dive to the comfort of each beginner, whether we dive at 2, 4, 6, or 8 meters—it all depends on you!