One problem that many scuba divers face after a dive is the bends or decompression sickness. This is especially true when the diver does not perform a slow and controlled ascent back to the surface.
Since snuba rests between snorkeling and scuba diving, some hobbyists may wonder if there’s a chance to develop decompression sickness.
So can snuba give you the bends? Luckily, there’s an extremely small chance that you’ll develop the bends from snuba diving. This is because you’re not that deep in the water. Your oxygen tank also rests floating on the surface of the water. The oxygen molecules within the tank aren’t being exerted on with several pounds of pressure.
Yet, because you’re using an oxygen tank, there’s always some small risk of developing decompression sickness. Most experts suggest waiting four hours before you attempt to fly or perform another activity at a high altitude.
Following these instructions will cut down the risk of developing the bends.
What Is The Bends (Decompression Sickness)?
Decompression sickness is a situation in which nitrogen that has accumulated in your blood blocks the blood flow in your vessels. It can be lethal in certain circumstances.
Developing decompression sickness relies on a few factors to be met. The first is that you have to dive under the water at a certain depth for a certain amount of time. The problem rests behind the pressure that you and your oxygen tank undergo when diving. The deeper that you dive, the more pressure is exerted on your body and the oxygen tank.
This also goes for how long you dive. Even if you dive at short depth, if you take several dives, or if you dive for a long time, then you’re also exposing yourself to a higher pressure. Just one that is accumulative rather than experienced all-at-once.
Decompression sickness is caused by nitrogen. As you ascend from high pressure to low pressure, nitrogen bubbles are formed inside your oxygen tank. Your body breathes in the nitrogen bubbles. Because the body is unable to use nitrogen, it starts to accumulate in your blood.
With so much nitrogen in your blood, blood cells carrying oxygen to your heart and to other organs and tissues are unable to perform their function. Nitrogen can impede blood flow completely. This may result in a clot or a heart attack.
There are quite a few symptoms that you may experience if you’re developing the bends. Some of them include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty in thinking
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
- A skin rash
- Numbness or weakness in limbs
- Headache
- Tingling in limbs
If you experience any of these symptoms, then it’s vital that you reduce the altitude that you’re in and spend some time relaxing and recuperating instead at lower altitudes.
How Deep Do You Go When You Snuba?
The depth that you reach when you snuba dive is dependent upon how long your rope to the oxygen tank is. Most snuba divers have a rope that extends 20 feet or 6 meters. That means that you’re able to dive down to a depth of 20 feet or 6 meters. You don’t have to dive this deeply if you’d rather not, but that is as far as the rope will allow you to reach.
The rope is attached to your oxygen tank which floats on the surface of the water. Even if you pull, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to make the tank sink deeper with you in the water. Nor should you attempt to do so.
In many cases, the oxygen tank is attached to the snuba raft that brought you to the diving location.
Can You Fly After Snuba?
Since it’s difficult to develop decompression sickness after snuba diving, most divers find that they can fly after snuba diving. However, if you want to make absolutely sure that you do not develop decompression sickness, you should wait four hours before you board a plane, go on a helicopter ride, or hike at a high altitude.
With the standard for waiting to fly after scuba diving being 12-24 hours, snuba divers have an advantage in being able to fly much faster after their dive.
Common Injuries From Snuba
If you’re thinking about trying snuba diving for yourself, then you should be aware that just like any great adventure, there’s always a chance that you may injure yourself. One of the most common injuries that people complain about is cramps. Snuba diving involves more swimming than people likely realize.
You’re able to enjoy sea life in 3D. It’s only natural that you may want to swim as fast as you can to catch up with a sea turtle or school of fish. However, this may result in a cramp. The level of your fitness may determine whether or not you cramp while swimming or after swimming.
Another common injury is those caused by fish and other marine life. You may be nibbled on by certain fish or accidentally touch something that pierces your skin. It’s important to remember that you’re a guest under the water. Unless you’re a marine expert, you should keep your hands to yourself and be aware of what your body is doing while swimming.
Coral cuts are another common injury. It’s easy to dive too close to a reef and end up scratching yourself against it. Being aware of your surroundings can prevent this injury.
How To Snuba Safely
There are a few tips you can use to ensure your snuba diving experience is fun and safe. Here are some of them.
1. Don’t Touch Anything
The best way to hurt yourself is to touch something. Try to curb your curiosity and let the wildlife do its thing under the water.
2. Leave Shells Where They Are
If you spot a gorgeous shell, then you may want to take it home. Don’t. The shell could be a home for someone.
3. Be Aware
It’s easy to hurt yourself on the coral if you’re not looking around yourself.
