SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Test Prep

Wearing appropriate thermal protection and limiting dive time are crucial strategies for preventing accidents when diving in cold water. Cold water can lead to hypothermia, which affects a diver's ability to think clearly and make sound decisions underwater. Appropriate thermal protection, such as a thick wetsuit or drysuit, helps maintain body temperature by providing insulation against the cold.

Limiting dive time is also important because the colder the water, the more quickly a diver can lose heat. By keeping dives shorter, divers can reduce their risk of experiencing hypothermia and increase safety as they monitor their physical condition throughout the dive.

In contrast, increasing air supply in the tank may not specifically address the cold water hazards and is less effective than ensuring proper thermal insulation. Descending faster may increase exposure to cold water without giving the diver adequate time to acclimatize or assess their comfort level, potentially leading to further risk of hypothermia. Staying close to the surface, while possibly allowing for temperature monitoring, does not provide sufficient protection against cold water effects and does not address the need for effective thermal insulation.