Freshwater diving
Freshwater diving is the practice of underwater diving in freshwater systems. It can be done in a freshwater lake, river, cave, or even a flooded quarry. Despite being a potentially dangerous activity, it can be rewarding, offering interesting aquatic life and, in some areas, extremely high visibility, which can often be found in caves.
Hazards
The general techniques of diving in freshwater are the same as for seawater, except that the density differs. There are specific hazards associated with the location and characteristics of freshwater systems, including altitude, extreme temperature, and visibility.
Temperature
Freshwater divers may be challenged by cold water and may be at a high risk of developing hypothermia.
Water temperatures in lakes often vary (lakes in the stratification zone have a general seasonal pattern) due to seasonal changes in lake stratification, hence affecting the temperature. The water can often reach below 4.5°C outside of summer and in most winters will freeze over in temperate parts of the world. The diver is at a high risk of hypothermia or frostbite. A dry suit or semi-dry suit must be worn to attempt to prevent this.
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Altitude
Ice diving is often conducted in mountain lakes at altitude. Altitude diving techniques such as decompression corrections are vital at elevations over 300 meters, because of the greater risk of decompression sickness.
References
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