What is the first action when experiencing symptoms of hypothermia while diving?

When experiencing symptoms of hypothermia while diving, the first action should be to safely ascend and exit the water to facilitate warming up. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerous drop in body temperature. Signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, confusion, or fatigue, indicate that immediate corrective action is required to prevent more serious health risks.

Ascending safely allows divers to eliminate the immediate exposure to cold water, where the body continues to lose heat. Once out of the water, divers can then seek shelter and warm up, which is vital for recovery from hypothermia. Addressing hypothermia promptly is crucial; thus, making an ascent and exiting the water is a prudent and effective response to the situation. Quickly leaving the cold water helps to stabilize the diver's condition and reduces the risk of further complications associated with prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.