PREVENTION OF SHALLOW-WATER BLACKOUT SUMMARY
1) Do not hyperventilate, 4 deep breaths should do
2) Recognize that any strenuous exercise (chasing fish etc…) will limit bottom time drastically; when you exercise, head for the surface much sooner than usual.
3) Recognize a dangerous situation exists when you become too focused on a goal or task; drop your weight belt and surface.
4) Treat your weight belt as a disposable item; when in doubt DROP IT!!! Bring a spare belt and extra weights so you’re less hesitant to let it go.
5) Adjust you weight so that you float at 15 feet.
6) Never dive for longer than 90 seconds.
7) Always have a buddy watching you from the surface.
8) Rest long enough on the surface to flush out Carbon Dioxide; 3-5 minutes between dives, 5-10 minutes if dive was over 60 feet.
9) Consider a swimming pool a dangerous place to practice endurance breath holding. Always bring your own buddy to watch ONLY you.
10) Learn CPR and think about adapting it to your diving arena, whether diving from shore, board or boat.