Where do you enjoy diving? What do you find most comfortable? Are you someone who enjoys taking photos in clear, warm water, or do you like to explore new places, work toward making deeper dives, and hop into just about any body of water to see what's under the surface? Most of us fall somewhere between the two, and nearly all of us have been tempted to succumb to peer pressure at one time or another. You like one thing, your partner likes another, and he can't make that dive without his favorite buddy. Maybe he thinks it's time you extended your boundaries. Either way, peer pressure can be a dangerous thing. Whether you're someone who pushes others to their limits or if you are someone who would rather stick to the tried and true, there are some important lessons to be learned.
Safety First
All of us have our limits, but sometimes we find ourselves agreeing to do things we would not normally do. If you feel uncomfortable with anything, that is your first sign that it's time to stand your ground and back out of the situation. When you are frightened, your brain and body are trying to tell you that what you are about to undertake is not safe for you, even if it is safe for other divers. For instance, if you like diving in warm, clear water, and you find yourself coerced into entering a cold, murky lake, you might feel uncomfortable during the first few minutes. You might even try to back out of the dive. Your buddy might try to convince you to continue. What could happen if you do?
Accidents
Accidents can occur at any time. Risk analysis is part of every dive briefing just for that reason; entanglement hazards and other potential risks are a reality. When you're coerced into a situation that you are not prepared to deal with, your risk for accident increases. Whether you're on the receiving end of coercion or if you're the one trying to convince others to join you when they would rather not, you need to be aware of this fact.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you find yourself in a situation you would rather not be in, remember not to panic. Stop and think before you do anything; it only takes a few seconds to do this, and even a single moment of clarity can make all the difference. Pause if you are entangled or trapped. The more you wriggle , twist, and turn, the worse your situation can become. Back up slowly if you can, breathe, and work to end the dive safely.
The bottom line? Don't ever make a dive you are not comfortable with. Abort if you're on a dive and discomfort or fear takes over. You can call a dive at any time for any reason. Remind your buddy that his or her safety depends on your own comfort level; without a competent buddy, even the smallest difficulty can be greatly magnified.
Finally, it is important to recognize the importance of training, before simply following blindly. Before you enter a new dive environment of any kind, ensure you are prepared properly - both mentally and physically. Learn to say “NO”. Your life could depend on it.