How should you react if you experience disorientation underwater?

If you experience disorientation underwater, stopping to assess your surroundings is the most appropriate reaction. This approach allows you to take a moment to gather your thoughts, calm yourself, and evaluate your situation without making hasty decisions that could lead to further confusion or danger. By pausing, you can observe key references in your environment, such as your dive buddy, underwater landmarks, or your depth gauge. This assessment helps you determine where you are and what your next steps should be, ensuring you can navigate safely.

Swimming around aimlessly could escalate the disorientation or lead you into a more hazardous situation. Rapid breathing in response to panic can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and may also lead to issues such as hyperventilation, which is not conducive to clear thinking underwater. Surprising from depth without regard to your surroundings or safety protocols can pose serious risks, including barotrauma or surfacing too quickly, which may result in decompression illness. Therefore, taking the time to assess your surroundings is essential for maintaining safety and control during a dive.