What can divers do to minimize the risk of nitrogen narcosis?

Staying within recreational depth limits is a crucial strategy for minimizing the risk of nitrogen narcosis. Nitrogen narcosis occurs when divers are exposed to higher partial pressures of nitrogen at greater depths, leading to symptoms that can impair judgment, coordination, and overall cognitive function. By adhering to established recreational depth limits, divers significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing narcosis, allowing them to maintain clarity and safety while underwater. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the physiological effects of pressure on the body and ensuring that divers remain within parameters that are well-studied and accepted for safe recreational diving.

Engaging in deeper dives or using high oxygen mixes can potentially introduce different risks or challenges, while diving without a buddy compromises safety and support, which are essential in diving situations. Therefore, sticking to recreational depth limits is the most effective and straightforward means to mitigate the risk of nitrogen narcosis.