What condition can occur if a diver ascends too rapidly?

Decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends," occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depths beyond a certain pressure. While underwater, a diver's body absorbs gases, particularly nitrogen, at a higher rate due to the increased pressure. If ascent happens rapidly, the sudden decrease in pressure does not allow the dissolved gases, especially nitrogen, to safely escape as bubbles. This leads to the formation of gas bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues, causing a range of symptoms, from joint pain to serious neurological issues.

In contrast, drowning is associated with respiratory distress due to water inhalation rather than rapid ascent. Gas narcosis primarily results from the effects of inhaling gases at high pressures and is more common at deeper depths. Hypothermia involves a drop in body temperature and is not directly related to the ascent rate of a diver. Understanding the specific consequences of rapid ascents is crucial for safe diving practices and ensures divers follow appropriate ascent rates to avoid decompression sickness.