Drift diving

The drift diving , which also flow diving and drift diving is called, is a scuba diving technique that allows, in waters with a flow to dive. The diver lets himself be carried with the current and thus experiences the feeling of flying underwater. Drift diving in rivers , streams and canals can be spectacular, but it is not without danger, which is why it should only be practiced by experienced divers. In the sea , lakes and ponds , where the current is created by the tides , tributaries, underwater topography , thermals in the water or differences in the salinity of the seawater , drift diving is often less dangerous and can also be experienced by beginners.

In the sea, lake or pond

Dive planning for drift diving requires more effort than for other dives. In the sea or lake, a boat that follows the divers on the surface is advantageous. As soon as the divers have reached the depth, they inflate a signal buoy , which they raise to the surface. The diving boat can easily follow this buoy pulled by the divers. If diving from an anchored boat or from land, the entry point must be chosen so that the dive can be started against the current. At the end of the dive, in the event of overexertion or excessive breathing gas consumption because the current is stronger than expected, the divers can then be driven back to the entry point with the current. A dive from the beach should never be planned immediately after the tide has started . There is a risk of being washed out into the open sea. As with every dive, the behavior in case of losing the buddy must be agreed, especially with drift dives . Diving boats therefore often launch a so-called current line into the water. This is a buoy that is attached to a rope that can be several hundred meters long. If divers drift past the anchored boat, there is a good chance that they will hold onto the flow line and be brought back onto the dive boat by a dinghy . Every diver should be equipped with a compass and a signal transmitter. In some countries it is a requirement that the buoys carried carry a diving flag .

In rivers, streams or canals

In principle, the rules for drift diving in the sea or lake also apply in rivers and streams. Depending on the depth and width of the water, as well as the strength of the current, additional rules may apply. When diving in a shallow river with or without an anchored boat, the dive should be started against the current if the current allows it. Often times, the entry and exit points are not the same place, as diving against a strong current is impossible. In smaller rivers or streams, it is sometimes not possible to dive in the buddy system. Then helpers can be posted along the water to rescue a diver. In white water , safety lines above or in the water are useful. A safety team at the lower end of the dive site, which is secured on a rope, can intercept divers who have driven past the agreed exit. The helper and safety team is often equipped with one or more throw bags . Because of the limited visibility, you should never dive in places where there is white water (dancing foam crowns). Rapids , eddies, rollers and washed-out rocks can also be dangerous , from which the diver can no longer free himself. These should be submerged. Bumpers can be another hazard. These are places where the water is turned over on a rock wall and therefore eats into the rock. Most of the time, the current on the baffle walls is very strong.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c} Thomas Kromp , Hans J. Roggenbach , Peter Bredebusch : Practice of diving . 3. Edition. Delius Klasing Verlag, Bielefeld 2008, ISBN 978-3-7688-1816-2 , p. 261-263 .
2. ↑ ^{a b c} River diving. Retrieved November 6, 2010 . 
3. ↑ ^{a b c} River diving in the Verzasca Valley. ( Memento from February 2, 2011 in the Internet Archive )