Scuba divers are reminded to practice their scuba skills regularly - especially when still renting their scuba gear - as every set of "rental gear" is always just a little bit different from the last. So practicing your scuba skills (including ditching your weight belt/weights) in a pool often can help.
Unlike other activities & sports (like riding a bicyle), scuba diving skills, especially the "essential scuba lifesaving" ones are often "lost" when a diver only dives once or twice a year 'cause - if you don't use it - you'll lose it!
Before participating in an AUC Dive Alberta event or other local dive store, dive club event or dive holiday or exotic dive travel, divers are encouraged to practice their skills in a pool or take a scuba skills update or scuba refresher course from their favourite local dive store or instructor. Or join a dive club and get out & get diving!
Dive-in in at an AUC annual dive event or lake cleanup & have fun underwater this year and remember:
During a difficult scuba and/or panic situation - when you can't think clearly - the number one rule (even at the surface) is to remember to:
Your life is worth way more than the cost of a weight belt or intregrated weight pouch (which can often be retrieved later anyways!). Constant practice at the beginning & throughout your scuba diving activities creates "muscle memory" which helps making the removal of your weight belt quick, automatic and easier if needed in an emergency! This muscle memory also helps you respond automatically to save yourself or your dive buddy instead of reacting in PANIC!