Final answer:
A safety stop in scuba diving is a practice where divers stop at a depth of 15 feet for a few minutes before ascending to the surface. This helps to off-gas the excess nitrogen and reduce the risk of decompression sickness. By performing safety stops, divers can ensure safe diving practices and minimize the chances of experiencing adverse effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
In scuba diving, a safety stop is a practice where divers stop at a depth of 15 feet for 3 to 5 minutes before ascending to the surface. This helps to off-gas the excess nitrogen that the diver may have accumulated during the dive, reducing the risk of decompression sickness (DCS).
Diving creates pressure on the body due to increased water depth, and the dissolved gases become less soluble as the diver ascends. If the ascent is too rapid, these gases can form bubbles in the bloodstream, leading to DCS. By making a safety stop, divers allow their bodies to slowly adjust to the decreasing pressure and give time for nitrogen to leave their system.
By consistently performing safety stops, divers can reduce the risk of DCS and ensure safe diving practices. However, it's important for divers to also adhere to other safety guidelines, such as monitoring their air supply, maintaining proper buoyancy, and following dive tables or computer algorithms for safe dive profiles.