Shore diving entries
Shore diving has become an increasingly popular option among divers. Sometimes, lack of time, inability to meet dive centre schedules, or financial reasons lead groups of divers to undertake independent shore dives.
While it's true that dive centres have more suitable means for diving at locations away from the shore, beach entries are generally considered easy dives that can satisfy that itch to get in your wetsuit and spend some time with your dive buddies.
As mentioned earlier, most shore dives are of low technical difficulty due to the shallow depths typically found along Spanish coastlines. However, situations can sometimes become complicated, with deep dives at difficult-to-access cliffs or coves, beaches with challenging approaches or remote locations far from urban areas, or spots with no mobile phone coverage.
By following some simple organisation and safety steps, shore dives shouldn't turn what should be a pleasurable day out into a bad experience.
- Our primary concern should be checking weather and sea conditions. Poor weather, shorebreak, or strong currents can make entering the water difficult, and exiting even more so. It's crucial not to dive in conditions that exceed our diving capabilities or those of our buddies. Knowing when to call off a dive, deciding to have a coffee instead and try another day, is vitally important.
- We should create a dive plan and stick to it. The entire dive team should know the buddy system, the planned route, maximum dive time, and how to respond if a buddy is lost (using the 1-minute search then surface technique). Finally, it's highly advisable to have a first aid kit that all team members know how to use.
- It's very important to have someone on shore keeping track of the divers: they should know the entry time, dive location, how many divers are in the team, the planned exit time, and have an executable Emergency Action Plan specific to the dive location. This Emergency Plan should include contact numbers for the relevant authorities and details of transport methods and estimated time to reach the nearest medical facility in case of accident.
So while shore dives are generally easy, problems can arise that complicate matters significantly. Never underestimate potential accidents and maintain your training - always be prepared with rescue techniques and first aid knowledge, so you'll know how to handle unexpected and delicate situations!
Your instructor or trusted dive centre can advise you on the steps to take to keep your skills current according to your diving level.
