Don't Be Swept Away By Currents & Tides

Tides are influenced by the earth’s rotation and fluctuate every few hours and at varying degrees depending on location. Areas in the Caribbean and Bahamas experience little or no tide variation, by contrast the Puget Sound and East Coast experience 3-10 feet in tidal movement every 5-8 hours daily. In areas of extreme tides, it is important to plan dives around the “slack water,” when the tidal current slows before reversing direction. Usually there is a ½ hour of slow current on either side of the tide change. Consult local tide tables or check out Tides.com for daily predictions by destination. Riptides funnel water in and out of a small channel or bay area at speeds exceeding 8 mph. Swim across a riptide to get out of it.

Remember These Tips--

Instead of fighting a current head-on, swim away from the wall, or sideways to extricate yourself from a vertical current. Usually you will find less current near the bottom.

A short, rapid kick with a nearly straight leg is the most efficient. Concentrate on steady breathing and a steady fin stroke.

Maintain neutral buoyancy and streamline your swimming position to reduce drag while orienting yourself to move in the correct direction back to the boat.

If you’re not making any progress, go to the bottom (if a feasible depth) and grab onto rocks or dead coral and pull yourself along.

Know when to call it off. Make an informed decision in the first place about diving at this particular time. If you’re stretched out like a waving flag from the hang line or anchor line, maybe this is not the time to dive. Once below and a current develops, increases, or changes direction, make a prudent decision to abort the dive. Don’t delay, as every second the current is taking you further from the diveboat. Carry one or more signaling devices such as a safety sausage, horn, or whistle to assure you can be located by a boat or rescue attempt.

Drift diving uses the current for propulsion while the dive boat follows bubbles on the surface. When drift diving from shore, make sure you have checked out the accessibility of several exit points. The sensation of hanging motionless while colorful walls covered with corals, sponges, and tropical fish pass effortlessly by your facemask appeals to many divers. But the dangers of separation and vertical currents are very real and need

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