5 Safety Rules Every Freediver Must Know
Freediving has a reputation for danger that mostly comes from people breaking rules that are very simple to follow. Respect these five, and the sport is remarkably safe.
Never dive alone
Every single dive needs a buddy watching from the surface, full attention, ready to respond. A blackout underwater without someone there to help is the scenario every other rule exists to prevent.
Never hyperventilate before a dive
Forcefully over-breathing before diving feels like it should help — it doesn't. It suppresses your urge to breathe without adding meaningful oxygen, which delays the warning signs your body gives you right up until it's too late.
Know your recovery breathing
The first breaths after surfacing matter as much as the dive itself. Proper recovery breathing after every dive, every time, is what keeps a diver safe even on a dive that pushed their limits.