Water temperature is one of the biggest concerns for those preparing to dive in cold waters. For many people, just the sight of divers in cold water is enough to bring chills through their spines! But even if you only plan only diving the warm waters of the tropics, heat loss is a real threat unless you wear an appropriate suit to retain your body heat.

Fortunately, many styles of exposure suits are available to keep you safe and warm no matter what the temperature is. In this lesson, you'll learn why divers need to wear exposure suits, the different options available, and how to care for your suit.

After this lesson, you will be able to:

• State the primary purpose of exposure suits.
• Select the appropriate exposure suit for various diving activities.
• Explain how wetsuits keep divers warm.
• Explain how dry suits keep divers warm.
• Demonstrate proper exposure suit maintenance.