What is dehydration?
It's summer, and it is HOT. And with the heat comes your body's worst enemy...dehydration. It is so important, especially as divers, to keep our bodies hydrated during these hot summer months. But, how do we, as scuba divers, avoid dehydration?
Staying hydrated is important for any person, as dehydration can set in quickly when enough liquids are not consumed. However, it is especially important for divers as they tend to become easily dehydrated since they are outdoors for many hours at a time, exposed to high temperatures in thick exposure suits and breathe dry compressed gas. Osmosis alone causes you to start your dive dehydrated as your body absorbs the sea water surrounding you to achieve a state of equilibrium with the water's salt content. Here is a list of signs to look for if you think you or your buddy may be becoming dehydrated:
Signs of Dehydration
Increased thirst; dry mout- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Sluggishness
- Fainting
- No longer sweating
- Decreased urine output
- Dark colored urine
- Muscle cramping
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is critical to increase your fluid intake immediately. At the very least, water, but preferably drink some electrolyte containing drink such as Gatorade, Powerade, or even coconut water.
Not only can dehydration lead to the symptoms mentioned above, but it actually increases the risk of decompression sickness. When your body becomes dehydrated, it makes it much harder for your tissues to off-gas, which is necessary so your tissues do not retain nitrogen, which could then lead to you getting bent.
There is a little more to staying hydrated when diving than just drinking water, even though drinking plenty of water is a large part. Follow these tips on how to stay hydrated and you should stay risk-free!
- Ensure a slow, gradual intake of water for up to 2 days BEFORE you go diving. In other words, be well hydrated before you even dive!
- DO NOT wait until you feel thirsty to drink water.
- Avoid over drinking. Yes, there is such a thing as drinking too much water! Drinking a significant amount of water in a short period of time can flush your body of necessary electrolytes. Consider drinking sports drinks during your diving time.
- Avoid alcohol AND caffeine. Yes, that means DO NOT go out and party the night before you dive, then pound four cups of coffee that morning to wake up!
- Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
- Avoid over-exertion.
- Use common sense.
By adhering to these seven steps, you should stay in the safe zone as far as dehydration is concerned. All it takes is drinking plenty of fluids and using a little common sense to keep yourself safe. Now drink up and go dive!!
