5 Tips for Diving in Strong Currents Without Getting Swept Away
When it comes to diving there is one thing that stands out from all others – eventually, every diver will face an extreme tidal shift. It is at times like these that a diver’s true mettle is tested and all that he or she has learned must be summoned in order to negotiate such a potentially dangerous development. Here are a few pointers that will help you handle strong tides so that you are not swept away.
- Watch your depth gauge: All too often divers can be carried downwards quickly by strong currents. As you can imagine, this can be quite dangerous when you are diving in deep waters to begin with. Therefore, you should watch your dive computer at all times.
- Stay low: Currents are almost always weaker as you reach the sea bed. Thus, if you encounter a strong current you may wish to consider getting as close to the bottom as possible. Some divers have even gone as far as to use their knives to dig into solid structures on the ocean’s floor during a surge in the currents.
- Stay together as a group: As difficult as it may be, try to stay with your group when encountering a strong current. Look for a coral outcropping or some other shelter and anchor yourself to it while watching for stragglers in your party. This will increase the chances that you will all get back to your boat or to the shore safely.
- Try not to fight the current: This may sound counterintuitive but fighting against a strong current will only weaken you making it less likely that you will be able to regain your bearings and safely return to your friends or to the dive boat.
- Follow your instructor’s guidance: You will be briefed on emergency procedures that will handle all manner of scenarios. Stay calm and try to recall your training/instruction when you encounter a robust current.
Overall, scuba diving is a relatively safe and extremely fun activity. However, you should take every precaution to make sure that your dive is safe including knowing what to do during strong currents. Our custom dives in Maui and our private scuba tours in Maui will expose you to a world relatively few have encountered up close and personal. Our PADI certified instructors will make sure that your dive is safe.
