Safety in a strong current: do not fight the sea

A strong marine current surprises many divers, but with the right knowledge it can be handled safely.

Why you should not fight the current head-on

A strong current is beyond any diver’s ability to swim against it. Fighting it directly exhausts you in minutes and uses up your air at double speed.

How to deal with the current

Swimming at an angle
Swim in a direction that cuts the current at a 45-degree angle instead of facing it head-on. You will progress slowly, but you will not tire.

Descending to the bottom
Sometimes the strongest current is at the surface and is much weaker on the bottom. If it is safe, go down to the bottom and swim along it.

Using rocks and reefs
Rocks and bottom terrain reduce the current behind them. Move from rock to rock if that is possible and safe.

If you cannot return

• Do not waste your energy on resistance that will not succeed
• Stay calm and deploy a safety buoy
• Wait for the boat or help from the shore
• Keep your air for as long as possible

Prevention is better

Always ask about currents before diving and consult local guides who know current patterns in every season.

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The sea is stronger than you at all times. Dealing with it through intelligence, not force, is what saves the diver.