Buddy Rescue
& Emergency
Response
An attentive buddy performing a fast, correct rescue is the only thing that stands between a blackout and a drowning. Every freediver must know this. Read it. Practice it. Know it before you enter the water.
This guide is educational — it does not replace hands-on rescue training. All freedivers are strongly encouraged to complete a formal rescue course with a certified instructor.
LMC vs Blackout — Know the Difference
Both require immediate rescue. Do not wait to confirm which one you are dealing with — act on the first sign of either.
| Sign | LMC | Blackout |
|---|---|---|
| Consciousness | Semi-conscious, may respond | Fully unconscious, no response |
| Eyes | Open but unfocused or rolling | Closed or fixed/glazed |
| Body movement | Rhythmic convulsions of arms, face | Limp, no voluntary movement |
| When | Within 7m of surface, often at surface | At any depth, typically at surface |
| Recovery time | 15–30 seconds with airway support | 30s – several minutes; may need rescue breaths |
| CPR needed | Rarely — airway support usually sufficient | Possibly — if no breathing in 30s |
| End dive? | Yes — end session for the day | Yes — medical evaluation required |
The 7-Step In-Water Rescue
This sequence applies to any LMC or blackout — pool or open water. Speed is critical: time to airway determines outcome.
Spot the Signal
Watch the diver throughout the entire dive. Signs of LMC: convulsions in arms or face on ascent. Signs of blackout: limpness, eyes closed or glazed, face in water, no response. Act immediately — every second matters.
Approach Quickly
Enter the water without hesitation. Approach from behind to avoid being pushed away by a convulsing diver. Keep your own airway clear — do not dive down unless the diver is below the surface.
Bring Diver to Surface
If the diver is submerged, pull them up by the shoulders or tank strap. Support the head and neck. Prioritise getting the airway above water — this is the single most important action.
Secure the Airway
Hold the diver face-up with their head tilted back to open the airway. Remove the mask — it may be restricting breathing or trapping water. Keep the face above the surface at all times.
Stimulate and Command
Tap the diver firmly on the cheeks and forehead. Shout "Breathe! Breathe now!" with a commanding voice. Blow a short puff of air across their face — this triggers the breathing reflex in many LMC cases. Do not give rescue breaths yet.
Call for Help
Signal to others on the boat or shore immediately. If you are alone, shout for assistance. Do not leave the diver unattended in water. Assign someone specific to call emergency services (112 in India) — not a general call to the group.
Rescue Breaths & CPR if Needed
If the diver is not breathing after 30 seconds of stimulation, begin rescue breathing — 2 breaths every 5 seconds. If no pulse and no breathing, begin CPR once out of the water. Continue until emergency services arrive.
Buddy Roles & Responsibilities
For any serious freediving session — especially depth training — you need at minimum two people: an in-water buddy and a surface watcher.
Active buddy (in water)
- ▸Maintain eye contact with the diver throughout the entire dive
- ▸Position at the surface directly above the descending diver
- ▸Be ready to descend to 10–15m for a rescue if needed
- ▸Never dive simultaneously with the diver you are watching
- ▸Maintain your own full breath reserve — do not hyperventilate
Surface buddy (on boat/platform)
- ▸Keep eyes on the diver and the in-water buddy at all times
- ▸Have emergency equipment ready: oxygen kit, first aid kit, phone
- ▸Know the emergency number (112 in India) and nearest decompression chamber
- ▸Be ready to pull the in-water buddy and diver from the water if needed
- ▸Log the diver's entry time and agreed maximum bottom time
Emergency Scenarios & Response
Know the appropriate response for each type of incident before it happens.
LMC in water (within 5m of surface)
UrgentSupport airway above water immediately. Stimulate, command to breathe. Do not allow face to submerge. Most LMCs resolve within 15–30 seconds with airway support.
Blackout in water (submerged or at surface)
EmergencyEnter water, bring diver to surface immediately. Secure airway, remove mask, stimulate. Call for help. If no breathing in 30s, rescue breaths. Move to land/boat for CPR if needed.
Diver at depth and not ascending
EmergencyIf diver has not ascended by their agreed maximum dive time: buddy descends to maximum safe rescue depth (usually 10–15m), locates diver, pulls to surface. Never compromise your own safety.
Pool blackout (static or dynamic)
UrgentLift face above water immediately. Turn face up. Stimulate. Remove goggles. Call lifeguard. Follow standard LMC/BO protocol. Speed of response is critical in a pool.
Thoracic squeeze (coughing blood)
MedicalExit water immediately. Do not allow further diving. Lay the diver down, keep them warm and calm. Call emergency services. Hospital evaluation is mandatory — do not delay.
Ear barotrauma (severe pain, vertigo)
MedicalAbort the dive immediately. Do not dive again that day. Assess hearing and vertigo. If symptoms persist beyond 1 hour, seek ENT evaluation. Perforated eardrums require medical clearance before return to diving.
CPR Quick Reference
CPR is required only if the diver has no pulse and is not breathing after removal from water. This is a summary — enrol in a certified first aid course for hands-on practice.
Continue CPR until: emergency services take over, the diver recovers and breathes independently, or you are physically unable to continue. Do not stop prematurely. In India, dial 112 — state your location clearly.
Rescue FAQ
What is the difference between LMC and blackout?
An LMC (Loss of Motor Control) is a partial blackout — the diver loses voluntary muscle control, showing convulsions, but retains some consciousness. A blackout is full unconsciousness with no voluntary response. Both require immediate rescue. LMCs typically resolve within 15–30 seconds with airway support; a full blackout may require rescue breathing and CPR.
Should I give rescue breaths in water?
Yes — if the diver is not breathing and you are still in water, you can give 2 rescue breaths every 5 seconds while keeping their airway above water. Full CPR (chest compressions) requires the diver to be out of the water on a firm surface. Prioritise getting to shore or a boat platform as quickly as possible.
What is the emergency number in India?
Dial 112 — this is India's unified emergency number that connects to police, fire, and ambulance. In the Andaman Islands, the government hospital in Port Blair (ANIIMS) has a hyperbaric chamber. Save the nearest hospital number when diving in remote locations.
How long can I safely wait before performing rescue breaths?
Begin stimulation immediately on airway contact. If there is no spontaneous breathing after 30 seconds of stimulation, begin rescue breaths — 2 breaths every 5 seconds. Brain damage from oxygen deprivation begins at 4 minutes and becomes severe at 6 minutes. Do not wait.
Can I dive alone if I am experienced?
No. No experience level makes solo freediving safe. Blackout has no warning signs and is not related to experience. Professional world record holders dive with multiple safety divers and medical staff. A solo blackout is a drowning. There are no exceptions to the buddy rule.
What should I do if the diver fully recovers from LMC or blackout?
End the diving session for the day. Keep the diver under observation for at least 1 hour. If there was a blackout (full unconsciousness), seek medical evaluation — even a seemingly full recovery can mask underlying hypoxia or barotrauma. Document what happened: depth, time, surface interval, any unusual behaviour before the dive.
Should I have an oxygen kit when freediving?
Yes — for any group freediving session, especially open water, having a portable oxygen kit is strongly recommended. Supplemental oxygen after a blackout or LMC accelerates recovery and reduces the risk of secondary complications. PADI, AIDA, and FAI recommend oxygen kits as standard equipment for any supervised freediving session.
Practice Makes Rescue Effective
Reading a rescue guide is step one. The next step is practising with a certified instructor — in water, at speed, under stress. Find a course near you, and make rescue skills part of every training session.