What is a danger of ascending too quickly from a dive?

Ascending too quickly from a dive significantly increases the risk of developing decompression sickness, also known as "the bends." This condition results from the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body due to rapid pressure changes. During a dive, divers breathe in gases—principally nitrogen—under higher pressure, allowing more nitrogen to dissolve in bodily tissues. If a diver ascends too rapidly, the reduction in pressure happens so fast that the nitrogen comes out of solution too quickly, forming bubbles that can cause pain, organ damage, and potentially life-threatening situations.

Proper ascent rates are essential for allowing nitrogen to safely exit the body through the lungs. Following gradual ascent protocols, including safety stops, helps to mitigate this risk, enabling the body to equilibrate pressures and reduce the likelihood of bubbles forming. This understanding is fundamental for safe diving practices and crucial in diving training programs.