What can potentially happen if a diver ascends too quickly without adhering to proper protocols?

When a diver ascends too quickly without adhering to proper protocols, the primary risk is decompression sickness (DCS). This condition occurs because as the diver ascends, the pressure around them decreases rapidly, leading to a reduction in the solubility of nitrogen that has been absorbed into the tissues and bloodstream while at depth. If a diver ascends too quickly, the nitrogen comes out of solution too rapidly, forming bubbles in the tissues and bloodstream, which can lead to various symptoms, ranging from joint pain and rashes to more severe effects like paralysis or even death.

Decompression sickness is particularly dangerous because it can manifest in different ways, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Safe ascent rates and safety stops are crucial to allow the body to expel excess nitrogen safely and avoid the formation of these bubbles. This understanding is critical for divers to manage their risk effectively while enjoying the underwater environment.

In contrast, while other risks such as drowning, hypothermia, and excessive buoyancy are associated with diving, they do not directly result from a rapid ascent. Drowning is primarily associated with loss of control or equipment failure, hypothermia relates to exposure to cold water over time, and excessive buoyancy deals with flotation issues rather than pressure changes during ascent