Safety is paramount in freediving, as we are often pushing our bodies whilst holding our breath.
Freediving is an amazing experience that can provide a unique feeling of freedom, adventure, and exploration.
It is a great way to experience the beauty of the underwater world, but it can also be a dangerous activity if not done properly.
it is important to take the proper safety precautions to ensure your safety while freediving.
In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to stay safe underwater while freediving.
Freediving is a thrilling outdoor activity that allows you to explore the depths of the ocean and experience the beauty and mystery of the underwater world.
With the proper knowledge and safety awareness, you can dive with confidence and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.
Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to freediving.
Freediving involves deep dives that can bring the risk of physiological problems due to improper techniques.
Therefore, it is essential to follow safety procedures when freediving.
The following tips will help you stay safe and have a positive experience underwater:
- Get certified in freediving.
It is always recommended to get certified in freediving before attempting any dives.
A certified instructor can teach you the proper techniques for freediving and provide foundation knowledge on how to stay safe underwater.
Certification also teaches proper mindset and awareness that can be applied in safety for yourself and your freediving buddy.
- Take a dive buddy.
“Never freedive alone”, this one simple sentence has big power for safety.
It is important to always have a dive buddy with you at all times when freediving.
This person should be experienced and knowledgeable about freediving safety protocols.
The recommendation for a proper safety buddy is a Master Freediver, but every freediver should be able to act as a good buddy, in case there is no Master Freediver around such as on a recreational fun diving trips or etc.
In AIDA Freediving Course, every freediver at every level are taught and expected able to be Buddy-ing properly in each freediving discipline.
- Use the appropriate safety gear.
Make sure you are properly outfitted with the right equipment for freediving.
Ensure your fins footpocket properly fit your feet and didn’t make your feets wound or bruise for long use.
Well, we know that it is so hard to find a perfect fit footpocket, and sometimes, the best one also has flaws in the sizing.
Use socks if you find the footpocket is a little bit loose or hard on the skin.
Some freedivers also use silicone oil to slightly lubricate the footpocket so the feet can easily slip in and are less damaging to the skin.
Next, use a Low-Volume and ensure all the rubber part of the mask is in touch with your face and you can pinch your nose easily.
If you find yourself easily getting cold and shivering underwater, or have sensitive skin, use a well-fit and good wetsuit.
Please be aware of the thickness and material of the wetsuit because it can affect your buoyancy underwater which affects your performance and safety too.
Moreover, don’t be overweight yourself. Use a proper weight that can keep your neutral buoyancy in a safe depth zone.
Ask your instructor how much weight you should use before entering the water.
You will learn more about gears and weight in the Course.
- Stay hydrated.
Hydration is essential for freediving as it helps keep your muscles and organs functioning properly.
Even if we are not sweating, our body fluids are depleting due to our body responses and physiology underwater.
Make sure you drink plenty of water before, in between surface intervals, and after your dives.
- Always Breath Properly.
Learn the foundation and master the basic breathing technique first.
Furthermore, it is not just the One Big Breath that counts, but also the breathing phase before and after breath-holding.
Don’t try to copy any elite freediver breathing technique if you haven’t mastered the basics.
Only manipulate or use modified breathing techniques if you have foundation knowledge about them
Breathing properly is what makes freediving possible and safe.
Actually there are more we should consider about safety in freediving, but we will talk more about it in the course according to your freediving level.
However, there is one last safety net before doing any diving activities, which is “Dive Healthy Or Do Not Dive At All”.
Never diving when tired, cold, or ill because you need all your energy and awareness in freediving.
Tell your buddy if you have a health problem so precaution can be made together.
Finally, it is essential to have sufficient training and experience to stay safe underwater.
You should always be aware of your limits and not push yourself too hard.
Make sure you are certified and knowledgeable in the dive safety protocols and procedures.
This will ensure that you enjoy your freediving experience safely and responsibly.
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