When considering taking up SCUBA diving as a hobby there are several things that need to be considered.
- Research dive school, reviews, safety standards, student to instructor ratio, instructor accreditation, is training in warm or cold water, is training in a swimming pool or sea/ocean and the cost.
- Yoga is thought to help with the breathing techniques used in diving, taki
ng a few lessons may help to boost confidence. Swimming lessons for those who are not strong swimmers may also help confidence. - ALWAYS check equipment before a dive. Never dive if there is the slightest concern about a fault.
- Feel free to ask the instructor questions, even they were beginners once and should answer any concerns sympathetically and in a way that makes it easy to understand.
NEVER dive with a sinus infection or cold or any sort of open wound – this can be dangerous. - To avoid dehydration drink plenty of water. It is a well-known fact that urination frequency is more common while buoyant.
- Stay close to the instructor.
- Keep a close eye on the air gauge, alert the instructor if it goes low.
Most importantly, in case of mishap or issue don’t panic, keep breathing steadily!