How can water temperature affect dive planning?

Water temperature plays a significant role in dive planning primarily because it influences the type of exposure protection divers need and affects the potential risk of hypothermia. When planning a dive, it’s essential to consider how the temperature of the water will impact your body's ability to maintain warmth.

In colder water, divers are at a greater risk for hypothermia, which can occur rapidly if not adequately insulated. Therefore, when assessing water temperature, divers must select appropriate exposure suits, such as wetsuits or drysuits, which vary in thickness, material, and overall thermal protection ability.

Choosing the right suit not only keeps the diver comfortable but also ensures safety throughout the dive. Conversely, in warmer waters, a less insulated exposure suit or even no suit may be sufficient. This aspect of dive planning underscores the importance of environmental conditions like water temperature in shaping overall dive safety and equipment selection.