How can divers effectively manage the risk of drowning?

Wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs) and ensuring buddy checks are completed are fundamental strategies for managing the risk of drowning while diving. Personal flotation devices provide buoyancy which can be lifesaving in the event of an emergency, helping to keep a diver afloat even if they become incapacitated.

Moreover, buddy checks are critical as they enhance safety through teamwork and communication. Having a dive buddy ensures that there is someone to assist in case of an emergency, monitor each other’s health and equipment, and provide immediate help if one diver encounters trouble underwater or on the surface. This collaborative approach significantly reduces the risks associated with diving.

In contrast, the other strategies listed may inadvertently increase the risk of drowning. Swimming alone, even in familiar waters, can lead to dangerous situations without immediate help available. Diving only in shallow, calm waters may seem safer, but it does not equip divers for the unpredictable nature of open water diving. Avoiding any form of training entirely is counterproductive, as proper training is crucial for understanding safety protocols, recognizing hazards, and effectively managing diving emergencies. Thus, the correct choice encapsulates a proactive and responsible approach to dive safety.