Scuba Diving Training Tips: Double Leg Cramps
Illustration by Thomas BurnsOne diver becomes immobile as the current carries him past the boat
INCIDENT REPORT
DIVERS: Miguel (AOW, 120 dives) and Paulo (Rescue, 87 dives)
SITE: Cooper River, South Carolina
CONDITIONS: Visibility 6 to 8 feet, 72°F, relatively low current flow for the river
Making their second boat dive for fossils in the brown waters of Cooper River in South Carolina, Miguel and Paulo were well ahead of the boat, 30 feet deep, finding shark teeth and other fossils in a fresh fossil bed. With the low flow and excellent fossil finds, the pair had hurried to change cylinders and start their second dive, skipping lunch and refreshments so they could get back in quickly.
At 72 minutes, Miguel signaled “up.” He and Paulo ascended, surfacing about 100 yards upstream from the boat but on the opposite bank. The pair inflated their BCs and began swimming across the river to intercept the boat as the current pushed them.
Miguel suddenly yelled: “Ow! Leg cramp!” He began kicking with the other leg alone, but it also cramped up. He stretched and relaxed his legs, but they recramped when he tried to kick. “Give me a tow?” he asked Paulo, realizing that otherwise, they’d drift past the boat. “No problem,” said Paulo. “Relax and enjoy the ride.” With Paulo towing Miguel, the pair of divers reached the boat with little difficulty; Paulo helped Miguel out of his gear while still in the water so he could climb the ladder with less weight on his cramping legs.
What They Did Wrong
They failed to adequately rest and rehydrate between dives. Dehydration is a common cause of cramps, and likely caused Miguel’s cramps.
What They Did Right
They started their dive into the current, ahead of the boat. They established buoyancy at the surface when they surfaced. Miguel asked for help when he needed it.
Five Tips from This Incident
Allow adequate time to rest, rewarm and rehydrate between dives. Immersion and breathing dry scuba air tend to dehydrate you, so consume ample water, juice, etc., before and after diving.
Don’t hesitate to ask your buddy (or divemaster) to assist you. Divers who ask for help are less likely to have a small, manageable problem become a big problem or emergency.
Be better-prepared to handle problems by completing the PADI Rescue Diver course.
Remember that when diving in current, unless drift diving, it’s generally recommended that you start your dive swimming into the current so you’re not fighting it to get back.
When you’re on the surface, stay positively buoyant. This not only helps you relax, but if your buddy has a problem, you’re in a better position to help.
For more tips on how to stay safe in the water, check out our Learn From This archive.
