What is the effect of alcohol on diving?

Ready for the IANTD Open Water Diver Exam? Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Dive deeper into your learning and prepare for exam success with confidence!

Alcohol significantly increases the risk of dehydration and impairs judgment, making option B the most accurate response. When divers consume alcohol, it affects their body's ability to retain water, leading to dehydration, which can be particularly dangerous under water due to the physical demands of diving. Dehydration can increase the risk of decompression sickness and negatively impact overall physical performance.

Furthermore, alcohol consumption impairs cognitive functions and judgment, which are critical for making sound decisions while diving. Good decision-making is essential to respond to any unexpected situations that may arise underwater, such as changing currents or potential hazards. An impaired state can lead to reckless behavior, delayed reactions, and poor assessment of risks, all of which elevate the chances of accidents.

In contrast, the other options misleadingly suggest positive effects of alcohol that are not supported by diving safety practices or physiological realities.

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