If you love the feeling of weightlessness underwater, you also need to know how to protect your body while you’re below the surface. Diving isn’t just about gear and technique; it’s about keeping your health in check before, during, and after each dive.
First off, hydration is a simple but powerful tool. Even a mild dehydration can make you feel dizzy on the surface and increase the risk of decompression sickness. Drink plenty of water the day before your dive and bring a bottle with you on the boat. Avoid alcohol and caffeine the night before because they can dry you out.
One of the most common complaints is ear pain. The pressure changes as you descend and ascend can create a vacuum in the middle ear. The trick is to equalise early and often—take a gentle Valsalva maneuver (pinch your nose and blow lightly) as you go down. If your ears feel blocked, stop the descent and try again. Persistent pain means you should abort the dive and seek medical help.
The sinuses work the same way. A cold or allergy can block the sinus passages, making a dive uncomfortable and risky. If you’re feeling congested, skip the dive. It’s better to wait a day than to risk a serious barotrauma.
Many divers wonder whether they can take their regular meds underwater. The short answer is: most are fine, but a few need extra caution. For example, antihistamines can dry out your mouth and nasal passages, making equalisation harder. If you need an antihistamine, opt for a non‑sedating version and stay extra hydrated.
Blood thinners like warfarin or newer anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding if you get a cut or suffer a barotrauma. If you’re on these drugs, check with your doctor before diving. Some physicians may recommend a longer surface interval between dives to give your body time to clear the medication.
Bronchodilators for asthma are generally safe, but you should always have your rescue inhaler handy. Test your inhaler with a short practice dive in shallow water before heading into deeper sites.
When it comes to over‑the‑counter pain relievers, ibuprofen is a common choice. However, it can affect kidney function, especially if you’re dehydrated. Acetaminophen is a safer alternative for mild aches, but keep the dosage within the recommended limits.
Finally, never self‑prescribe antibiotics or anti‑parasitic drugs for a planned dive. These medicines can have side effects that interfere with pressure changes, and they should only be taken under medical supervision.
Running a quick health checklist before every dive can save you from avoidable problems: are you well‑hydrated? Do you have any ear, sinus, or respiratory issues? Are your medications compatible with diving? If any answer is “no,” give yourself a day to recover or talk to a healthcare professional.
By keeping these simple habits in mind, you’ll enjoy longer, safer dives and come back to shore feeling great. Remember, the ocean is amazing, but it respects a well‑prepared diver more than anyone else.
Grand Blue Dreaming follows Iori Kitahara's wild college adventures with a rowdy diving club, blending comedy, friendship, and underwater thrills. The series has inspired anime and film adaptations and is getting a second anime season this July.