How can a diver prevent hypothermia during a dive?

Wearing appropriate thermal protection based on water temperature is essential for preventing hypothermia during a dive. Different types of exposure protection gear, such as wetsuits or drysuits, are designed to insulate the body and help maintain core temperature when submerged in cold water. The effectiveness of the thermal protection depends on factors like water temperature, dive duration, and individual tolerance to cold.

Using a wetsuit or drysuit that suits the diving conditions helps limit heat loss significantly, which is crucial in colder environments where the risk of hypothermia increases. The right gear not only creates a barrier against cold water but also helps trap a thin layer of water close to the skin, which is warmed by body heat, providing additional insulation.

Swimming faster might initially generate more body heat, but it is not a sustainable or efficient method for maintaining warmth over a longer dive. Similarly, using a weighted vest or taking shorter dives may not directly address the core issue of heat loss, as they do not provide thermal protection against the water temperature. Proper thermal protection remains the most effective and reliable way to avoid hypothermia while diving.