Should you scuba dive or not?
Hello, its me again… Haley. Today I am changing it up and writing about the positive and negatives of scuba diving. My interest in scuba diving was sparked by my mom and dad who fell in love with the unique activity. Last week, I was scuba certified with my little sister and I wanted to dig deeper, so I am writing this blog.
First of all, what is scuba diving? (Greta Travel source)
Humans have always been fascinated with the mystery of the ocean and with scuba diving we can experience and explore it. Scuba diving is where you are given tanks and equipment to swim and breathe underwater. Scuba diving has become increasingly popular all around the world and is valued by many.
What are the PROS of scuba diving? (Julie Bush source)
- You get to explore and experience parts of the world that many don't get to see. The ocean covers 71% of the earths surface, so if your goal is to see the world, then scuba diving is perfect for you.
2. You get a place to escape from everyday technology and your issues. When you are underwater, there are no calls to pick up or emails to answer, you are simply focused on breathing and what you see through your mask.
3. You also get to relive vast amount of the worlds history beneath the surface of the ocean. For example, you can visit sunken war ships, planes and more.
4. With scuba diving you get to experience weightlessness. You are neither sinking nor floating, which is something that you cannot do out of water.
5. If you love animals and marine life then scuba diving is perfect for you. From small to large animals and corals you can see and experience it all through scuba diving.
What are the CONS of scuba diving? (Intern BSB source)
- The risk of scuba diving that most people talk about is decompression sickness. This happens because when you breathe underwater nitrogen bubbles build in you body and if you ascend to the surface to quickly they can form bubbles. These bubbles can cause severe pain, severe tissue damage, and death. To prevent this, always follow your dive computers instructions and make a safety stop at 10–15 feet for 3–5 minutes.
- Drowning is a more common danger of scuba diving. It is typically because a diver panics or goes unconscious. It can also be caused by equipment that malfunctions, for example a regulator/ breathing piece that stops working. Drowning can also be caused by personal underlying health issues. This can be prevented by proper training and the buddy system.
3. Nitrogen narcosis is a risk that you get when you dive at deeper depths. The feeling is similar to being drunk and very confused. This can lead to many problems because you aren't thinking straight so it can be harder to follow proper scuba instructors.
4. Marine life is also a risk divers take. Most animals aren't aggressive and wont attack you. But divers should know never to touch animals or coral. Not only to protect the marine life, but to protect themselves. There are occasions where divers get attacked, sometimes even by usually unharmful animals. This can be prevented by being educated and treating marine life with respect.
Those are some of the pros and cons of scuba diving. You can decide for yourself if the risks are worth the means. Personally, I love scuba diving but it is important to be aware and be educated about it.
SOURCES
Bush, Julie. “10 Reasons To Be A Scuba Diver.” PADI Blog — Scuba Diving and Freediving Tips, Dive Travel Insights & More, 22 Jan. 2019, blog.padi.com/2015/02/12/10-reasons-to-be-a-scuba-diver/.
Intern, BSB. “The Dangers and Risk of Scuba Diving.” IDC Bali Internships, 25 Oct. 2019, www.idc-bali-internships.com/risk-of-scuba-diving/.
Greta travels. “Scuba Diving Vs Snorkeling — Which Is Better? GBR Case Study.” Greta’s Travels, 9 Dec. 2020, https://gretastravels.com/scuba-diving-vs-snorkeling/
