## Can You Drown While Scuba Diving?
Yes, you can drown while scuba diving. Drowning is the third leading cause of death in scuba diving, after decompression sickness and pulmonary barotrauma. In 2018, there were 43 scuba diving fatalities in the United States, and 15 of those were due to drowning.
## Causes of Drowning in Scuba Diving
There are many factors that can contribute to drowning in scuba diving, including:
Equipment failure: This can include a malfunctioning regulator, buoyancy compensator device (BCD), or dive computer.
Human error: This can include making a mistake while diving, such as diving too deep, staying underwater for too long, or not following proper safety procedures.
Environmental factors: This can include strong currents, cold water, or poor visibility.
## Symptoms of Drowning in Scuba Diving
The symptoms of drowning in scuba diving can vary depending on the cause of the drowning. However, some common symptoms include:
Difficulty breathing: This can be caused by a malfunctioning regulator or by drowning water.
Coughing: This can be caused by water entering the lungs.
Chest pain: This can be caused by drowning water or by a pulmonary embolism.
Headache: This can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain.
Nausea: This can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain.
Vomiting: This can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain.
Seizures: This can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain.
Unconsciousness: This can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain.
## Treatment for Drowning in Scuba Diving
The treatment for drowning in scuba diving depends on the severity of the drowning. If the drowning is mild, the victim may only need to be given oxygen and fluids. If the drowning is more severe, the victim may need to be given CPR or intubated. In some cases, the victim may need to be taken to a hospital for further treatment.
## How to Prevent Drowning in Scuba Diving
There are a number of things you can do to prevent drowning in scuba diving, including:
Get proper training: This is the most important thing you can do to prevent drowning. Make sure you are certified by a reputable scuba diving organization and that you have the skills and knowledge to dive safely.
Use properly maintained equipment: Make sure your regulator, BCD, and dive computer are all in good working order.
Follow proper safety procedures: This includes diving with a buddy, staying within your depth limits, and not diving in dangerous conditions.
Be aware of your surroundings: This includes being aware of the currents, the visibility, and the depth of the water.
## Conclusion
Drowning is a serious risk in scuba diving, but it can be prevented by following proper safety procedures. By getting proper training, using properly maintained equipment, and being aware of your surroundings, you can help to reduce your risk of drowning.