Fitness For Scuba Diving

Many people think diving is a strenuous sport that requires strong athletic ability. This is not the case. You don't have to be a strong athlete to be successful and have fun in this sport.

While you may plan on diving a calm cove during your check-out dives, you never know when a change in conditions may require you to exert yourself. So no matter what your physical condition, it's important that you are at 100% of your abilities during the course and after certification.

To maintain proper fitness, be sure you get plenty of sleep, exercise, eat nutritious meals, and most import, avoid drugs and alcohol before and after all class sessions and dives. Additionally, if you take prescription medications, check with your doctor or instructor to make sure they will not affect your safety while diving.

Your instructor will ask you to complete a medical history form before allowing you to participate in water activities. This is for your own safety, so please be honest when completing it.

You will be asked to seek a doctor's approval if your instructor is unsure of your fitness to dive. Certain conditions present unnecessary risks, so you will not be accepted for training if you suffer from certain respiratory or circulatory conditions. Additionally, if you are pregnant, you will not be accepted because it's unknown if the pressure changes encountered while diving are safe for the fetus.

Inform your instructor if you become ill during this course. Minor illnesses such as colds or sinus infections can lead to serious injuries while diving, so you'll be asked to complete the course after you regain your health.