National Diving Officer Sophie Rennie and Head of Diving Sophie Heptonstall offer advice for safe winter diving
TWOSOPHIES Treat the cold with respect
National Diving Officer Sophie Rennie and Head of Diving Sophie Heptonstall offer advice for safe winter diving
THE QUESTION:
What tips do you have for UK-based divers who want to continue diving beyond the summer season?
Sophie Rennie replies
I try to dive all year round when the weather lets me. Aside from just giving up and going abroad to warmer climes, the UK waters can be super clear when the temperatures get low. Staying warm is the key, and these days it is miles easier than it used to be. With all the mod cons out there, such as heated vests, heated inner gloves, lovely undersuits and windproof outer layers, cold water diving is so much more civilised.
Even for those using semi-drysuits, we now have swimming and changing coats such as Dryrobe, Two Bare Feet or Fourth Element’ s Storm Poncho( other robes are available).
They can make a massive difference once out of the water and speeding back to shore. This is my list of takes on a winter dive.
■ Flask of something hot.
■ Food of some sort to counter any lost energy.
■ Heated vest. there are some bargains out there, and as long as your suit doesn’ t have an epic flood, they work really well by heating your kidneys and body core.
■ Good gloves to put on before and after the dive so that you can keep your fingers warm before the dive and then( as long as the gloves didn’ t get wet) warm your fingers up after the dive.
■ Heated car seats – they are just the best thing for the drive home, and in no time, you will be back to toasty!
Finally, bear in mind the water temperatures in the UK autumn are at their warmest around autumn( 17-18 ° C off the South Coast) and don’ t really start to drop off until November, so you have plenty of time to get that list together.
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Make sure your regulator is cold water rated – don’ t risk a free-flow
Sophie Heptonstall expands
There isn’ t really a dive / snorkelling season as such, but we all enjoy safe diving conditions. There’ s some fantastic year-round diving and snorkelling in the UK thanks to lochs and inland options, in addition to sheltered coastal areas. Diving in colder conditions can be exhilarating – but only if you’ re prepared. Above all stay safe, warm, and in control beneath the surface. Here’ s my advice:
Suit-up properly
■ Choose a drysuit or thick wetsuit rated for the water temperature
■ Add insulating undergarments, plus gloves, boots, and a hood
Check your gear
■ Make sure your regulator is cold-water rated
■ Test all seals and zips before the dive
■ Carry a backup air supply and be aware of increased risk of regulator free-flow
Diver monitoring
■ Watch for early hypothermia signs: shivering, numbness, loss of coordination
■ Keep dives shorter and avoid overexertion
■ Surface before you feel chilled— don’ t‘ tough it out’
■ If you are instructing, make sure the students are fully briefed and dives suitably planned in terms of static skills and time-inwater, for the comfort of all.
■ Watch for signs of IPO: sudden breathlessness, cough( sometimes with pink, frothy sputum), chest tightness, or confusion while swimming / diving.
Plan for conditions
■ Expect faster air consumption in cold water
■ Factor in shorter nodecompression limits at depth
■ Always have a clear exit strategy in case of fatigue. Consider the impact of shorter days and lower light levels – be prepared and plan
Warm up between dives
■ Stay out of the wind whenever possible on the surface
■ Bring a dry change of clothes
■ Sip warm fluids( not alcohol)
■ Use shelter or windbreaks to prevent body heat loss
Bottom Line: Treat the cold with respect, and your dives will be as safe as they are unforgettable. �
Do you have a question about dive training, kit or safety for the Two Sophies to answer? Email SCUBA Editor Simon Rogerson, simon @ scubamagazine. co. uk