Final answer:
Divers should not exceed an ascent rate of 30 feet per minute to avoid the risks of decompression sickness, ensuring a safe and controlled ascent.
Step-by-step explanation:
During normal diving activities, divers should never exceed an ascent rate of 30 feet per minute.
The ascent rate is crucial to avoid decompression sickness (DCS), where the decrease in ambient pressure causes dissolved gases to become less soluble and potentially form bubbles in a diver's body. In diving, pressure changes most rapidly as divers reach the surface, and following safety protocols is essential. A controlled ascent allows for the safe expansion of gases, and divers are educated to ascend from depths at recommended speeds or make decompression stops to prevent DCS. According to recommendations for safe diving practices, divers should limit their ascent rate to ensure safety underwater.