For the past 12 months most divers have not been able to dive as much as they would like, and many haven’t dived at all. Now that the rollout of the Coronavirus vaccine program has commenced, and the weather improving, it seems that various COVID-19 regional lockdowns are beginning to ease, and scuba diving activities should begin to resume in several Northern Hemisphere countries.

If you’ve been out of the water for a while, it’s essential to take time planning your safe return to diving. DAN

DAN has therefore augmented the safety statements issued by both the British Diving Safety Group and the British Sub Aqua Club that "if you’ve been out of the water for a while, it’s essential to take time planning your safe return to diving."

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Dr Petar Denoble, DAN Vice President of Research stated "we encourage all divers to consider a few important factors before they get back in the water. These include your inactivity, health status, fitness, equipment, and diving skills.

After a challenging 2020, more time underwater is an exciting prospect for 2021. DAN

Data consistently shows higher rates of incidents in the first dives following periods of not diving. As divers gear up to get back to it, we are asking them to take a look at these issues that are most commonly associated with injuries and emergencies. DAN has therefore created a resource covering key elements of diver safety to help you start to prepare for your next dives."

Dr Jim Chimiak, DAN Medical Director acknowledged that divers are keen to get underwater as soon possible. "As divers look ahead to their next opportunity to dive, we want them to think about their entire diving futures. Now is a great time to prepare by refreshing skills, getting in shape, and ensuring gear is in working order.”