What is one effect of dehydration on diving?

What is one effect of dehydration on diving?

• A. Increased buoyancy
• B. Improved lung capacity
• C. Impaired judgment
• D. Better thermal regulation

Answer: (C)

Dehydration can significantly impair cognitive functions, which directly affects a diver's judgment and decision-making abilities. When a diver is dehydrated, the body may struggle with maintaining the necessary physiological balance, which can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and a decreased reaction time. This impaired judgment is critical underwater, as divers must make quick, informed decisions to ensure their safety and the safety of their diving partners. While some may think dehydration could lead to better buoyancy, lung capacity, or thermal regulation, these effects are not supported by evidence. In reality, dehydration tends to have a negative impact on the body's overall performance during a dive, making the maintenance of proper hydration vital for safety and optimal functioning underwater.

Dehydration can significantly impair cognitive functions, which directly affects a diver's judgment and decision-making abilities. When a diver is dehydrated, the body may struggle with maintaining the necessary physiological balance, which can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and a decreased reaction time. This impaired judgment is critical underwater, as divers must make quick, informed decisions to ensure their safety and the safety of their diving partners.

While some may think dehydration could lead to better buoyancy, lung capacity, or thermal regulation, these effects are not supported by evidence. In reality, dehydration tends to have a negative impact on the body's overall performance during a dive, making the maintenance of proper hydration vital for safety and optimal functioning underwater.