What is the preferred action to take if you find yourself alone and out of air at 30 feet in open water?

In a situation where you find yourself alone and out of air at a depth of 30 feet, the preferred action is to perform an emergency swimming ascent. This technique is critical for a diver in distress because it allows for a safe and controlled ascent to the surface where you can breathe.

The emergency swimming ascent involves carefully swimming upward while monitoring your rate of ascent and exhaling as you rise. This helps to prevent lung over-expansion injuries due to the expanding air in your lungs. At 30 feet, the pressure is still manageable for a diver to execute an ascent without risking additional complications.

Performing an emergency ascent also aligns with the dive training principles of self-rescue. In a situation where you are alone and without air, timely action is essential to avoid the risk of hypoxia or drowning. Immediate ascent allows you to reach the surface quickly, where you can access air and potentially call for help.

Other options, such as signaling for help on the surface or waiting for assistance, may not be effective. Being submerged without air limits your time, and waiting could exacerbate the situation as your air supply diminishes. Similarly, taking off your tank and swimming back could introduce additional risks, such as lost buoyancy control and exposure to