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#55
Rescue diver - level of fitness?
Nikki - 8/16/2007 12:07 AM
Category: Training
Replies: 6

I`m currently an Advanced Open Water diver and would like to do the rescue Diver course but I am concerned that being a petite female I may not have the necessary levels of fitness. Any small women out there who have completed the course? How fit do you have to be? Many thanks.
#250
wpbdiver - 8/16/2007 4:36 AM
Nikki, Go for it, really being a strong swimmer is the biggest part, There is no heavy lifting, except tanks onto the boat. When in the water, you have a BCD on. Rescue is a nice step into dive leadership. You will be ok.
#3979
DalelynnSims - 8/16/2007 7:00 AM
One great thing that you get from the rescue diver course is an understanding of how to do things. While you may be petite there are different ways of doing things required in support of another diver or yourself. This is what this course is all about. What a better time to practice & learn how & what you can execute when a rescue is needed than the rescue course.

As a current adv diver you understand much & can already perform the tired diver tow & surfacing an unresponsive diver (if your NAUI anyway) & during the rescue class you will have the opportunity to advance these skills as well as sharpen up your First Aid, CPR & AED training or get it if you do not already have it; as it is required for the class.

Bottom line the rescue class will provide you knowledge that will not only allow you to help others but yourself as well should you ever need it. From that you will become a safer, more educated diver.

Take care and Best Fishes!!

>
#1065
VaDiver95 - 8/18/2007 9:34 AM
Nikki, I think all divers should be reasonably fit--both cardio and strength. Overall fitness helps will help your SAC rate, decompression, and comfort. There is a good book…Fitness for Divers by Cameron Martz—it’s a great resource. http://www.divefitness.com/ As for rescue diver it’s not a very strenuous course or labor intensive course. When I took my course we pulled the distressed diver out of the water as a team. In the real world you will most likely have help from the boat crew or shore support getting an unconscious diver to safety. Plus, don’t hesitate to grab a knife and cut the gear off—it can be replaced a life cannot. Good luck. Vinny
#2636
NWKatShark - 8/18/2007 3:54 PM
Nikki, I agree with everyone else. Size really has little to do with it. Talk to other Rescue Certified Divers. You should be fine, especially if you have an attitude........ Larry
#875
PegLeg - 8/21/2007 2:50 PM
I agree with everyone else. You do need to be fit, but size isn`t a show stopper. The best thing about the Rescue Diver Course is you`re working with your buddy, and doing it together as a team. Most times you`ll never be alone when and if you ever need to utilize thoses skills to perform a rescue, so you can always get assistance from by-standers, the boat crew, etc. Don`t let your size get in the way of completing something you enjoy. The rescue course has different ways for a smaller person to approach and perform a rescue on any size individual. Take the course, you`ll enjoy it and it`ll give you more confidence overall as a diver. I`ve been certified as a Rescue Diver for over 3 years. Just make sure that when you complete the course that you practice what you`ve been taught. Set up your own scenario`s with other divers and practice in the water, it`s a skill you need to keep current and fresh. Take care and enjoy the course.
#283
DiverParamedic - 11/11/2007 5:12 AM
Nikki, Go for it. I weight 220#, and I`ve had Rescue Diver Candidates (as my instructor calls them), weighing 110# (females and males) get me into a boat. It is all about technique and body mechanics and less about broot strength. Of course having some extra hands always helps.