5 Safety Tips for Protecting Yourself and Others During COVID-19

Like most people scuba divers are anxious to get back out into the world outside. However, as we all know the question is how to do so safely. And while the risk cannot be entirely eliminated when interacting with other people, here are some tips for how to lessen the chance of exposure to COVID-19 while diving. These recommendations are being made in August of 2020 with the latest scientific/medical knowledge available at this time. They may be modified as scientists learn more about Covid-19 and how it is spread.

• Keep your distance when above water: While you are above water, stay six feet away from other divers. This includes while you are riding a boat out to the drop, checking your buddy’s kit or renting equipment. Keep this distance when you are in the water – but not submerged – as well since people tend to breathe more heavily when they are exerting themselves. 
• Kit up on your own: Prepare your own equipment when you are about to submerge as this will limit your contact with others. Additionally, refrain from touching other peoples’ gear. 
• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently when topside: Divers should frequently wash/sanitize their hands before and after touching their own or someone else’s gear. The general rule is: wash your hands for twenty seconds to eliminate the virus. 
• Don’t spit into masks: Some divers spit into their mask in order to defog them. While the effectiveness of this practice has always been questionable, during Covid19 it is dangerous. The CDC believes that COVID-19 is spread mainly by “respiratory droplets” that are produced when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes, coughs, etc. 
• Make the rules for your group: If you are involved in a group dive make sure that all members of your team know and adhere to these rules. Your dive will be safer and more fun. 

Diving Groups Helping to Fight the Spread of Covid19

Major players in the diving industry are doing all they can to make divers who wish to return to the water safe. Here is a short list of these groups.

AIDI International

AP DivingDivers Alert Network (DAN)

PADI

Shark Angels

We all have a part to play in this fight against COVID19 and we divers are ready to meet the challenge. We encourage you to follow the above rules so that your private scuba lessons in Maui or your family friendly dive tours in Maui will be safe.