Spearfishing Safety Spearfishing is an activity enjoyed by many, and one that is continuing to grow in popularity. Spearfishing, however can be dangerous for a variety of reasons, and those who engage in this activity should certainly familiarize themselves with the entire process of spearfishing, the proper protocols for safety, and follow safety precautions to keep themselves as safe as possible. Even the most experienced divers who engage in spearfishing don’t always know the ins and outs of spearfishing, and many would attest to the fact that there is always more to learn. The following information is a helpful guide with a variety of general tips to contribute to your safety during spearfishing. Before Diving Before diving make a complete dive plan together and estimate sea conditions: Anyone, regardless of how experienced they are should always make a complete plan of the entire dive. Surprises should be left only to what is found, not how the dive will be executed. It can be detrimental and even fatal to leave any part of the dive unplanned. Sea conditions can change, but in order to avoid sudden changes and fatal surprises, sea conditions should be estimated prior to getting in the water. If any of the sea conditions are questionable, wait until they are once again safe. Your Body Knows Best Stop diving after a blackout: Even if you feel better, or feel that you could dive again, your body may not be ready, and doing so can be fatal. Listen to your body and take a break should you experience a blackout, and let your body fully recuperate. Don’t dive if you are tired or cold: The body is unable to handle the stress of a dive when it has been exposed to exhaustion and lowered temperature. This can inhibit your ability to dive properly and can result in injury and unsafe conditions. Nutrition and Hydration: Make sure you are properly hydrated and nutritionally sound before you dive. Your body needs energy to keep you safe on your spearfishing adventures. Listen to your body: Your body knows best, and you should always listen to it. If you don’t feel quite right about diving, don’t do it. Your body knows what it is capable of handling, so don’t allow your excitement to take over before a dive, as it can result in injury or even death when the body is pushed too far. Make Yourself Known Never free dive alone and always select a partner: One must always have a partner they trust before going down on a spearfishing free dive. Regardless of the length of time a person plans to spend down in the water, diving without a partner is extremely dangerous. You could get lost, become disoriented, or get yourself into a situation that could be avoided with the help of a partner. As in many cases, two heads are better than one, and working together can make your experience even more enjoyable. Make sure you can be seen: It is wise to wear colors that are easily identifiable for both your partner and those in the water. Should something happen where you are unable to bring attention to yourself, your diving gear can do the job for you by attracting the viewer’s eye to bright colors. When Under Water Don’t increase pace on the last part of the ascent: This is where many divers tend to get into trouble. Divers often get excited or anxious to reach the top, and they begin to increase their speed at which they ascend. This can cause deep water blackout, or more severely, the bends. A constant pace is best, and slow, steady movements are suggested. Make sure you are correctly weighted: Many divers use weight belts to contradict the buoyancy, but too much weight can be dangerous. Often times, people wish to gauge the perfect weight when they are naturally buoyant at 15 meters down. Never hyperventilate: Hyperventilation, or more than 15 breaths per minute can cause syncope, or fainting, a fatal condition in water. If you feel lightheaded or fingertips and limbs begin to feel numb or your lips tingle or turn blue, slow down your breathing and regulate yourself. Often times, hyperventilation is a result of being afraid of a situation, but doing so will only make the situation worse, and can result in a temporary loss of motor control which can lead to drowning in severe conditions. Spearfishing can be enjoyable, and doesn’t have to be a dangerous sport. Following the above advice will help to ensure that you are able to enjoy your dive. Your safety should be your first concern when spearfishing and free diving is concerned. It is easy to forget about some of the basic safety tips when excitement and anxiety take over, but following them will make your dive more enjoyable, and prepare you for subsequent spearfishing adventures.
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