What actions should you take if you see signs of panic in your diving buddy?

Taking a moment to assess the situation and provide reassurance is crucial when you observe signs of panic in a diving buddy. Panic underwater can lead to irrational behavior, which can potentially jeopardize both your safety and theirs. By assessing the situation, you gather information on what might have caused the panic and how severe it is. Providing reassurance helps to calm your buddy’s anxiety—the aim is to create an environment where they feel safe and supported. This can facilitate communication and allow you to work together effectively to resolve the situation.

In contrast, signaling them to calm down without addressing the underlying issue might not be effective, especially if they are overwhelmed. Swimming away would only increase their stress and sense of isolation, potentially worsening the situation. Immediately ascending to the surface without properly assessing and communicating could lead to further complications, such as decompression sickness or additional panic due to the rapid change in environment. Ultimately, ensuring a calm and controlled response enhances safety for both you and your buddy during a diving emergency.