Never Dive Alone On Days Like These

There is zero margin underwater and no room for error. Everything depends on timing, air, and awareness.

If something goes wrong - a blackout, equipment failure, disorientation, getting into difficulty - when you are alone - you cannot call for help. You cannot signal from below. And you cannot save yourself in time.

Water safety experts and coroner findings continue to reinforce the same message:

Never, ever dive alone.

A buddy isn’t just there for company -they are your lifeline.

They:

• Watch your dive
• Track your time
• Respond immediately if something isn’t right
  

Without that - there is no safety net.

Familiar doesn’t mean safe – many divers who lose their lives are experienced. They know the conditions and trust their own ability.

But stats are clear -

• Three of the four underwater fatalities in 2024 (75%) occurred when close buddy contact was not maintained.
• In 2024, all underwater drowning fatalities were men, continuing the pattern of the past decade.
• Kai gathering is linked to a significant proportion of annual drowning fatalities, disproportionately affecting Māori, Pasifika, and Asian communities.
  

Water Safety New Zealand’s Rob Hewitt, who has his own story of survival when he found himself alone underwater, says it best:

“Never, ever dive alone. This message cannot be reinforced strongly enough. Looking after each other might mean collecting a little less kai - but it means everyone will be here to dive another day.”

Make it non-negotiable.

On days like these:

• Always dive with a buddy and stay in close contact
• Plan your dive and agree on signals and timing
• Check your gear - and your buddy’s
• Stay within your limits and training
  

Says Rob “No fish is worth your life. The ocean provides. But it is also unforgiving”.

Never dive alone.