So, it's been a while since I have updated my scuba adventure. I will have to go back and fill in the gap, but today's class has not left my mind, yet. Of the 4 classes I have taken, Rescue Diver has been the most challenging, so far. In all fairness, it even says that in the class summary. The book work is complex. So much to remember in the event of an emergency.
The class was 1:1 with my instructor, Mike. We went through the knowledge review, and I will admit, I missed many of the questions right out of the book. I am a very studious person, and this threw me for a loop. Lots of outside factors seemed to be interfering with my love of all things scuba. Yesterday, someone threw a brick into my window at home and stole my PS3, which had my EFR dvd in it. Trying to study last night while the wind whistled through the boarded up hole was not the most ideal of conditions. I muscled through it, and it showed in the review. Scuba 1, Jen 0
It was a pretty day. The sun shining, warm until that Oklahoma wind gave you goosebumps. We headed out to the outdoor pool. It's March, people. 53 degrees, maybe. The water is clear, though. I'm set up with a 7 mil wetsuit with gloves and a hood that are thicker than my own. Gear up and ready for that first plunge. Mike says we have about 45 minutes of class time before we start to shiver. It doesn't feel that ba..........COLD!!!!! The weight belt I'm borrowing decided that moment to make a run for it. What a surreal feeling that was. 16 pounds of dead weight fly down my hips and thunk at the bottom of the 12' pool. The water seeps into the wetsuit crevices and boots. Pretty chilly. Now, I have to tell my instructor that my weight belt is on the bottom. Scuba 2, Jen 0.
Self rescue is up first. I have to be confident that in an emergency situation, I won't be the one freaking out. I have to show out of air and low on air and tow my "buddy" around the pool. Stuff we learned in Open Water. My brain seems to escape me. I am slow to respond and don't understand what Mike is trying to signal me. Must be cold. Looking back, the most fun part of the class today was regaining orientation. I tucked up in perfect hover and Mike swished me all different ways to make me dizzy. I smiled through my reg and closed my eyes. HA! I'd nearly forgotten about the cold. Opening my eyes, the objective was to grab the line and get undizzy. Scuba 2, Jen 1. We ascended to discuss the rescue part of the next exercise.
Tired Diver on the Surface Rescue: Someone's at the surface and responding, but can't get themselves out of the water. I approach, let him know what I'm doing, get him buoyant. He says he's got a crmp. We fix that and tow in. Pretty easy.
Panicked Diver at the Surface Rescue: Someone fucking flipping out at the surface. The first simulation, I'm to show that I can get away from this situation so I don't become a victim. I submerge to avoid the panicked diver and knee cradle his tank. I reach over and inflate his jacket, only to find that sneaky bugger disconnected his power inflator. Realism, My brain fixates on getting him buoyant, so I start to blow it up manually. A gulp of cold water and a few giant breaths later, he's positively buoyant. I didn't think to drop his weights. Many solutions to one problem. All fine and dandy, one of my fins gets caught in the scuffle and my ankle gets jarred. Ouch. Points for each Scuba 3, Jen 2.
Unresponsive Diver Underwater: I get to lay at the bottom like a limp noodle for the demonstration. Mike shakes me to get my attention and asks, "OK?". No respondo por favor. He holds my reg in my mouth, tilts my head up and starts a slow ascent. Cool. My turn. Not as fluid, but hey, it's my first time. I get him up and air up his jacket.
Panicked Diver Underwater: Mike is flailing and I have to get him to calm down, hold on, and breathe. Easy peasy. Scuba 3, Jen 3.
At this point, the tips of my fingers and toes are numb, but it's time to get out. It's about 50/50 on keeping the equipment on or taking off. Either way, it's going to be a bit chilly. I opt to strip and get my warm towel around me. The sun is warming me and I have a scuba smile.
