PEH4 PERFORMANCE TASK 2
ACTIVITY #1:
RISK ANALYSIS AND SAFETY PROTOCOL DEVELOPMENT FOR AQUATIC ACTIVITIES
Purpose: To develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills by analyzing
potential risks in aquatic activities and creating comprehensive safety protocols. This activity
challenges students to think like safety experts, considering various factors and scenarios to
ensure safety in snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, or scuba diving.
Instructions:
1. Select one aquatic activity (snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, or scuba diving) for analysis.
Scuba Diving
1. Decompression Sickness (DCS)
2. Equipment Malfunction (e.g., regulator failure)
3. Strong Underwater Currents
2. Three Potential Risks
3. Risk Analysis.
2. Equipment Malfunction
Likelihood: Low to Moderate
Equipment failure, such as a faulty regulator or air tank, is less likely with
proper maintenance. However, it remains a serious concern, especially for
divers who don’t inspect their gear thoroughly before diving.
Severity: High
If a diver loses access to air underwater, it can lead to panic, drowning, or
rapid ascent which itself poses risks like lung overexpansion or DCS.
Potential Consequences:
Drowning due to lack of air supply.
Injuries from panicked ascent or using malfunctioning gear
1. Decompression Sickness (DCS)
Likelihood: Moderate
Decompression sickness is a common risk for divers who ascend too
quickly or stay at deep depths for too long. Even trained divers can be
affected if they ignore dive tables or forget safety stops, making this risk
moderate in frequency.
Severity: High
DCS can cause intense joint pain, dizziness, paralysis, or even death. It
requires immediate medical attention, often involving hyperbaric oxygen
therapy. Its life-threatening nature makes it a critical safety issue.
Potential Consequences:
Permanent damage to the nervous system, paralysis, or fatality if
untreated.
Mild cases may still cause long-term fatigue or joint problems that affect
mobility.
3. Strong Underwater Currents
Likelihood: Varies (depends on dive location)
Currents may not always be visible but can be strong and unpredictable.
Divers who are not familiar with the area are more at risk, especially in
drift diving scenarios.
Severity: Moderate to High
Strong currents can carry divers away from the dive site or make it
difficult to ascend safely, especially for beginners. It can also cause
separation from the group or buddy.
Potential Consequences:
Diver may become lost, leading to panic or exhaustion.
Increased air consumption due to swimming against the current, possibly
leading to early surfacing or emergency ascent.
4. Develop a detailed safety protocol to mitigate each identified risk, including preventive
measures, emergency response, and education strategies.
1. Decompression Sickness (DCS)
Preventive Measures: Ensure divers strictly follow dive tables or dive computer
guidelines, perform safety stops, and avoid flying shortly after diving.
Emergency Response: If symptoms appear, keep the diver calm and administer
oxygen. Contact emergency services and transport to the nearest hyperbaric
chamber immediately.
Education Strategies: Educate divers during training about DCS symptoms, proper
ascent rates, and dive planning to avoid pressure-related injuries.
2. Equipment Malfunction
Preventive Measures: Perform thorough pre-dive equipment checks and regular
maintenance. Always dive with a buddy and a backup air source (octopus).
Emergency Response: Use buddy’s alternate air source, signal for emergency
ascent, and ascend slowly while maintaining control.
Education Strategies: Include emergency drills in training, such as air-sharing and
controlled ascents, to build confidence and readiness.
3. Strong Underwater Currents
Preventive Measures: Check current conditions before the dive and dive only in
recommended areas. Use surface markers and follow the dive plan.
Emergency Response: Signal for help using a surface marker buoy (SMB), remain
calm, and ascend slowly while being aware of surroundings.
Education Strategies: Train divers to recognize current patterns, use reef hooks when
needed, and stay close to the dive group or guide.
5. Reflect on the importance of risk analysis and safety planning in aquatic activities.
Risk analysis and safety planning are vital components of any aquatic activity,
especially in scuba diving, where the underwater environment presents unique
and unpredictable challenges. By identifying potential risks such as
decompression sickness, equipment malfunction, and strong currents, divers
can prepare mentally and physically to manage these situations effectively.
Having clear safety protocols ensures not only the prevention of accidents but
also the ability to respond quickly in case of emergencies. Through education
and training, participants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to dive
responsibly. This reflection emphasizes that safety should never be taken for
granted — it is the key to making aquatic adventures both enjoyable and
secure.
ACTIVITY #2:
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN AQUATIC ACTIVITIES
Purpose: To foster critical thinking and creativity by designing a safety campaign for snorkeling,
kayaking, canoeing, or scuba diving. This activity emphasizes the importance of safety in aquatic
activities and encourages students to think innovatively about promoting safety awareness.
Instructions:
1. Chosen Activity: Scuba diving
2. Key safety precautions
1. Always Dive with A Buddy
➤Never dive alone. A buddy can assist in case of emergencies like equipment failure or
disorientation.
2. Check Equipment Before Every Dive
➤ Inspect your regulator, tank, BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), and gauges thoroughly.
Malfunctioning equipment is a major risk underwater.
3. Plan Your Dive and Dive Your Plan
➤ Know your dive profile — depth, time, and route. Stick to it and avoid overexertion.
4. Monitor Your Air Supply Regularly
➤ Always be aware of how much air you have left to ensure you can surface safely.
5. Ascend Slowly and Make Safety Stops
➤ Avoid decompression sickness by ascending at the recommended rate (no faster than 9
meters per minute) and doing a safety stop at 5 meters for 3 minutes.
6. Equalize Early and Often
➤ Prevent ear barotrauma by equalizing pressure in your ears during descent.
7. Stay Within Your Limits
➤ Don’t exceed your training level or physical capacity. Avoid deep or technical dives
unless certified.
8. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
➤ Watch for currents, marine life, or other divers. Stay oriented and maintain neutral
buoyancy to avoid collisions or damaging coral.
9. Stay Hydrated and Rested
➤ Fatigue and dehydration increase the risk of accidents and decompression sickness.
10. Avoid Flying or High Altitudes Right After Diving
➤ Wait at least 18–24 hours before flying to allow nitrogen to safely off-gas from your body.
3. Safety campaign slogan
4. Poster
The “Dive Smart, Breathe Easy” safety campaign promotes responsible scuba diving through visually
engaging posters and a clear, memorable message. The first poster features a serene underwater scene with
a lone diver, reminding viewers that safety goes beyond the surface with the phrase, “Your Safety Is
Deeper Than You Think.” The second poster builds on this message by presenting a straightforward safety
checklist, encouraging divers to plan their dives, monitor their air and depth, and inspect their equipment.
Together, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of preparation, mindfulness, and
precaution in every dive.
5. Present your campaign to the class and submit it as a written proposal
