Preventing Panic: A Quick Guide To Keeping Your Cool

With a desire to explore the unknown, divers put their heads underwater in some very unnatural environments.

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While relying on a single unit of life support equipment, it is no surprise that divers occasionally lose their cool. Divers who become startled or face difficult problems underwater can become overwhelmed by fear or anxiety and behave wildly – and without thinking, they panic.

Sometimes panic is completely obvious: Divers may thrash at the surface, stare at you with wide eyes, spit out their regulators or fail to communicate. Whether divers are panicking at the surface or deep underwater, an intervention can prevent them from injuring themselves or others. Rescue divers and dive professionals are trained to recognise panic and intervene, but all divers can take measures to prevent panic before entering the water.