List of Diving Hazards and Precautions - The Aquatic Environment

The Aquatic Environment

Hazard Consequences Cause Avoidance and prevention
Any liquid environment.
  • Asphyxia by drowning.
  • Near drowning is the survival of a drowning event involving unconsciousness or water inhalation and can lead to serious secondary complications, including death, after the event.
 Inhalation of liquid (water), usually causing laryngospasm and suffocation caused by water entering the lungs and preventing the absorption of oxygen leading to cerebral hypoxia.
  • Avoid out of air emergencies underwater.
  • Provide appropriate buoyancy.
  • Avoid or prevent accidents resulting in unconsciousness.
  • Use of a full face mask.
  • Use of helmet.
  • Use of surface supplied diving equipment with voice communications.
  • Adequate swimming skills and fitness for the circumstances.
  • Use of snorkel when appropriate.
  • Lifejackets which hold the wearer's face above the water may be worn when appropriate.
Secondary drowning can take place up to 72 hours after a near drowning incident, and may lead to a serious condition or death. Physiological responses to contaminants in the lung due to inhalation of liquid.
  • Extrusion of liquid into the lungs (pulmonary edema) over the hours following aspiration of liquid, which reduces the ability to exchange air and can lead to a person "drowning in their own body fluid".
  • Aspiration of vomit can have a similar effect.
 Prompt and appropriate medical treatment after near drowning.

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