Divers who have only ever dived in salt water may be shocked by the vast differences between fresh and salt water. Dive sites in freshwater are ideal for novice divers still learning the ropes of diving in a new environment. However, the reduced density of the water in freshwater environments must be considered when planning for and carrying out a dive. In a little time, you’ll be able to dive deep into the freshwater depths with the help of these eight recommendations.
Understand Your Diving Environment
Diving in freshwater is vastly distinct from diving in salt water. Dive sites in freshwater are likely to be located in diverse parts of the watershed, leading to a drastically varied underwater topography and a marine ecosystem that does not behave as one might expect.
Know the Hazards
Diving in freshwater bodies presents a unique set of challenges due to the environment’s lack of marine life and the specific dangers. It’s important to remember that the behaviour of freshwater bodies varies greatly from one another and even within the same category. There are risks and hazards associated with both natural and anthropogenic elements.
Understand the Dive Altitude
Due to the abundance of lakes and freshwater sources at high elevations, the altitude you are diving at will impact your dive. If you want to regard your dive at that location as an altitude dive, you’ll need to find out the elevation at which you’ll be scuba diving.
Include a Knife
Freshwater divers risk becoming entangled in artificial contamination such as fishing lines. A knife capable of cutting lines and other materials should always be on you.
Bring a Light
You will probably need to bring a dive light with you if you go diving in a freshwater body. A body of salt water can be moved by currents, whereas a body of freshwaters, such as a lake or river, cannot. As a result, visibility is reduced, and less light reaches the eye when the water is murky.
Wear Foot Gear
Most divers don’t bother bringing or wearing footgear when venturing into salt water, and they’re also transported to the dive site via boat. For the most part, divers in freshwater environments either walk to the dive site or directly into the water to start their dive. The same pollution is present on lake beds or buried in the coastline, so it is common practice and recommended that you wear protective foot gear when walking about in these areas.
Keep Your Buoyancy Neutral
If you’re planning a dive in fresh water, you should be cautious with your buoyancy and any gear you bring. Many items that might normally float in a saltwater dive will sink in a freshwater dive. If you’re used to diving in saline water, you can find that your buoyancy is off in a new environment since you have to bring more equipment with you. Successful diving requires a comprehensive buoyancy check before entering the water and maintaining a neutral buoyancy throughout.
Keep a Record of Your Location and Starting Point
Freshwater dives, in contrast to saltwater dives, involve entering the water from a predetermined location rather than being transported there by boat. It is important to remember where you started when doing underwater exploration so that you can make your way back to your original starting spot. Finding your way back is essential, so keeping track of how far you’ve travelled and in what direction, swimming or walking, is important. The best tools for the job are a compass and some mental notes.
Freshwater diving is a fun and exciting aquatic activity. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of diving but in a more relaxed environment with available diving service providers like Southern Divers. It’s also a great way to introduce people to diving, but with less pressure due to the lower water pressure. With these freshwater diving tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the sport even more.
