## What Not to Do While Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an exhilarating and rewarding activity that allows you to explore the depths of the ocean. However, it’s important to remember that scuba diving is also a serious activity that requires proper training and safety precautions. There are a number of things you should never do while scuba diving, including:
### 1. Diving Beyond Your Limits
One of the most important things to remember while scuba diving is to never dive beyond your limits. This means diving deeper than you are trained for, or diving in conditions that you are not comfortable with. Pushing your limits can lead to accidents, decompression sickness, or even death.
### 2. Ignores the Dive Plan
Before each dive, you should always create a dive plan with your dive buddy. The dive plan should include information about the depth of the dive, the duration of the dive, and the route you will take. Sticking to your dive plan will help you to stay safe and avoid getting lost.
### 3. Fails to Follow Dive Signals
Dive signals are a form of communication that you will use to communicate with your dive buddy while underwater. These signals include hand signals, arm signals, and light signals. It is important to learn and follow dive signals so that you can stay safe and communicate with your dive buddy.
### 4. Ignoring Your Air Gauge
Your air gauge is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will use while scuba diving. It tells you how much air you have left in your tank. It is important to monitor your air gauge regularly and to ascend when you reach your reserve air supply. Running out of air while scuba diving can be a dangerous situation.
### 5. Ascending Too Quickly
When you ascend from a dive, you must do so slowly to allow the nitrogen in your body to dissolve. Ascending too quickly can cause decompression sickness, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition. Always ascend at a rate of no more than 30 feet per minute.
### 6. Holding Your Breath
Holding your breath while scuba diving can cause a lung overexpansion injury. This is a serious injury that can occur when the air in your lungs expands due to the increased pressure as you ascend. Always exhale while ascending to prevent lung overexpansion injury.
### 7. Missing a Safety Stop
A safety stop is a mandatory part of every scuba dive. Safety stops are usually made at a depth of 15 feet for 3 minutes. The purpose of a safety stop is to allow the nitrogen in your body to dissolve and to reduce the risk of decompression sickness.
### 8. Ignoring Underwater Currents
Underwater currents can be dangerous and can sweep you away from your dive plan. Always be aware of the currents in the area where you are diving and take precautions to avoid being swept away.
### 9. Diving in Low-Visibility Conditions
Diving in low-visibility conditions can be dangerous. It is important to avoid diving in conditions where you cannot see clearly. If you do find yourself diving in low-visibility conditions, stay close to your dive buddy and use a dive light to help you see.
### 10. Touching or Harassing Marine Life
Marine life is fragile and should be treated with respect. Never touch or harass marine life. Always observe marine life from a distance and do not interfere with their natural behavior.
### 11. Drinking Alcohol Before or After a Dive
Alcohol can impair your judgment and slow your reaction time. Never drink alcohol before or after a dive.
### 12. Diving Alone
Scuba diving should never be done alone. Always dive with a buddy so that you can help each other in case of an emergency.
### 13. Diving in Unfamiliar Waters
If you are diving in an unfamiliar area, be sure to familiarize yourself with the area before diving. This includes learning about the currents, tides, and potential hazards.
### 14. Using Unsafe or Defective Equipment
Always use safe and well-maintained equipment when scuba diving. Never use equipment that is damaged or defective.
### 15. Diving When You Are Not Feeling Well
If you are not feeling well, do not dive. Scuba diving requires physical exertion and can be dangerous if you are not in good health.
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