Best practices, safety guidelines, and industry standards for responsible freediving
Safety isn't just important in freediving—it's everything. Understanding and following proper safety protocols ensures that freediving remains an enjoyable, sustainable practice for life.
The buddy system is non-negotiable. Always dive with a qualified safety diver who can respond to emergencies and provide proper surface support.
Progress gradually. Pushing too hard, too fast leads to injury and dangerous situations. Respect your body's signals and training level.
Never hyperventilate excessively. Follow proper breath-up protocols to avoid shallow water blackout and other hypoxic incidents.
Correct weighting ensures safety on descent and ascent. Too much weight makes emergency ascents dangerous; too little wastes energy.
All divers and safeties must know rescue procedures, blackout recovery, and when to call emergency services. Practice regularly.
Ensure you're medically fit to freedive. Certain conditions increase risk. When in doubt, consult a dive medicine specialist.
The fundamental rule of freediving safety: when one diver is underwater, their buddy must be at the surface ready to assist.
Loss of consciousness caused by hypoxia, typically occurring during ascent or immediately after surfacing. Prevention:
Pressure-related injuries to air spaces (ears, sinuses, lungs). Prevention:
Conditions and factors that increase risk:
Mental factors that compromise safety:
Quality freediving instruction must include:
Thorough coverage of physiology, risks, emergency procedures, and rescue techniques before any water training.
Instructor-to-student ratios that allow for proper supervision and safety. No more than 4-6 students per instructor in water.
Safety equipment including rescue buoys, oxygen, first aid, and communication devices readily available.
Gradual skill development appropriate to student level. No rushing through essential techniques or safety protocols.
Transparent evaluation criteria and certification standards. Students should demonstrate competency before certification.
Instructors teaching only disciplines they're certified for, with current credentials and liability insurance.
Be concerned if you observe:
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