Safely Return to Diving after COVID-19

As the state begins to reopen, we know everyone is excited to get back in the water and get their fins wet again! But there are some things we need to implement so we can safely return to diving after COVID-19.

There are so many things that will change in light of coronavirus. Most of which will be the new norm. Although some might be challenging, it is our top priority to ensure the safety of our divers.

Here are some important things to remember as you start to plan your dive.

Follow County Regulations

Every county might have different regulations, so make sure to check what your county’s regulations are for beaches and recreation. Also, practice these general safety guidelines:

• Stay 1-2m distance from others if possible.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, and mouth.
• If you have any symptoms, quarantine for 14 days.

Evaluate Your Health

Since COVID-19 is a pulmonary condition and impacts your lungs, that may also affect your ability to scuba dive.

A few studies found that if you contract COVID-19, whether it’s mild or severe, then your ability to dive in the future may have long term impacts. So we recommend for anyone who’s had coronavirus to make a steady return to diving, as it will take a while to know the long-term effects on a diver’s health.

Although you may be eager to get back in the water, we encourage you to make a consultation with a diving medicine specialist, if you have been hospitalized with COVID-19 due to pulmonary or cardiac problems. Your health is important to us! Your scuba tour will be here once you’re cleared.

Make Sure You Have Valid Insurance 

It is essential that you have valid insurance, especially when going for a dive. Remember that if you are diving or traveling against advice, then your travel and dive insurance can be invalid, which is why checking county guidelines is important.

Choosing a Safe Dive Tour

While booking your scuba guide tour, look for their safety precautions to determine who you feel safe diving with. A safe dive instructor who ensures your safety will usually be transparent with their operations.

Please note that divers are required to wear face coverings until they are in the water.

Equipment Rentals 

Keep in mind that with every equipment rental, there is some risk of contamination. We recommend you ask for the following equipment to be sanitized:

• Regulator mouthpieces
• Masks
• Snorkels
• BCD oral inflators

You can also take your own cleaning supplies to sanitize your equipment or choose to bring your own mouthpiece as well.

We hope these tips help you safely return to diving after COVID-19. With San Diego Scuba Guide, we want to assure you, we are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure your safety while diving. Book your SCUBA or Snorkel tour at sandiegoscubaguide.com.

Happy diving!