Divers Alert Network

10/15/2026

River diving is not for the faint of heart. Murky water, strong and shifting currents, and entanglement hazards can make rivers among the most challenging underwater environments.

In addition to specialized equipment, river divers need strong foundational skills and the ability to solve problems when visibility is limited or nonexistent. Managing risk in these demanding conditions requires preparation, awareness, and focus.

When exploring a river, divers should:
• Maintain a streamlined gear configuration
• Carry appropriate equipment, such as a cutting device and dive flag
• Stay aware of navigation and changing current conditions using both compass and natural navigation techniques
• Swim into the current when starting from a fixed position or face upstream during drift dives
• Be prepared to manage problems in low- or zero-visibility environments
• Understand state and local regulations before collecting artifacts or fossils

Every river is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Proper planning can help reduce risks and make river diving safer and more enjoyable.

Read more at dan.org/river-diving.

✍️ Matthew Rever and James Wagner
📷 1 & 4) Scott Strickland; 2) Matthew Rever; 3) James Wagner

10/13/2026

As temperatures drop, many divers are swapping wetsuits for drysuits to keep exploring through the colder months. With proper preparation and equipment, cold-water diving can extend your season and open the door to new underwater environments.

Cold water comes with unique challenges and discomforts. Drysuit leaks, regulator freezes, buoyancy issues, and sudden floods of icy water can quickly put a diver's composure and judgment to the test. The best defense is preparation: know your equipment, practice drysuit skills, and have a plan for managing problems before they arise.

Learn more about staying safe and comfortable when diving in colder conditions: dan.org/five-lessons-for-cold-water-diving/.

✍️ Frauke Tillmans, Ph.D.
📷 Alex Mustard

10/09/2026

Even small equipment components deserve attention during pre-dive checks. 👀⚙️

A diver experienced an equipment malfunction when the mouthpiece detached completely from their primary regulator during the first 10 minutes of a dive. After inhaling seawater, the diver switched to their alternate air source, communicated with their buddies, and ended the dive safely.

The diver reported using a regulator set that was less than two years old but suspected the plastic zip tie securing the mouthpiece may have loosened during a previous dive. As a result of the incident, checking regulator mouthpieces has been added to their pre-dive routine.

This story serves as a reminder to:
• Inspect regulator mouthpieces before every dive.
• Ensure retaining zip ties are secure and show no signs of wear or loosening.
• Practice and maintain proficiency with alternate air source deployment.
• Communicate with your buddy and do not hesitate to end a dive when equipment problems arise.
• Service regulators according to manufacturer recommendations and inspection schedules.

Some divers replace standard mouthpieces with aftermarket options for improved comfort or fit. When doing so, ensure the mouthpiece is properly installed and securely fastened to the second stage. Excessive wear, repeated tugging, or a loosened retaining tie may increase the risk of a mouthpiece becoming detached.

Read the case report at dan.org/missing-mouthpiece/.

10/02/2026

2051 Sea Odyssey is a STEM outreach initiative by DAN, DEEP, UNC-Chapel Hill, and the University of Utah, funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research.

Through a docuseries and design challenges, the program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers in undersea research.

The docuseries’ first episode establishes the challenges that will be explored in this eight-part series: https://youtu.be/mUbkbvBsoMI

10/02/2026

What happens when a ray can generate up to 220 volts and 30 amps of electricity? ⚡

Found in temperate and tropical waters around the world (and increasingly in inshore areas of the North Atlantic), torpedo rays are among the ocean's most enigmatic predators. These heavily camouflaged bottom dwellers use electrogenic organs to hunt prey and defend themselves.

Often buried in sand or resting on the seafloor, they can react quickly when disturbed, delivering powerful shocks capable of incapacitating fish and, in rare cases, injuring divers.

Because they can be difficult to spot, accidental contact is one of the biggest risks. Good buoyancy control, situational awareness, avoiding unnecessary interaction, and maintaining a respectful distance can help prevent dangerous encounters.

Read the full story in Alert Diver: dan.org/torpedo-rays/

✍️ Chris Harvey-Clark, DVM
📷 Lloyd Bond

09/29/2026

Dive gloves are not one-size-fits-all. The right gloves depend on the type of diving you do, the water temperature, and the level of protection you need. 🧤

From thin tropical gloves designed for dexterity to dry-glove systems for cold-water drysuit diving, every option involves trade-offs between warmth, dexterity, and protection.

A few of the factors to consider when choosing gloves:

FIT | Gloves that are too loose can allow water to circulate freely and reduce warmth. Gloves that are too tight may restrict circulation and affect comfort.

THICKNESS | Thicker gloves generally provide greater thermal protection, but the added insulation can reduce dexterity and impact your ability to communicate with hand signals, operate equipment, clip and unclip gear, or use a dive computer underwater.

PROTECTION | In some environments, gloves can provide an important barrier against sharp objects and other underwater hazards. However, gloves are not a license to touch marine life or underwater structures. Some dive destinations prohibit gloves because they can create a false sense of security and may encourage contact with delicate marine ecosystems.

The best way to become more comfortable with gloves is to train while wearing them. Familiarizing your hands and brain with manipulating objects while wearing gloves can help prepare you for a variety of diving conditions.

Read more in Alert Diver: dan.org/hand-protection/

✍️ Frauke Tillmans, Ph.D.
📷 1-2) Becky Kagan Schott, 3) Stephen Frink

09/25/2026

Do you know what goes into your nitrox fill? 🤔

Before divers enjoy the benefits of reduced nitrogen absorption and extended no-decompression limits, nitrox must first be produced by adding oxygen to or removing nitrogen from ambient air. Dive operators typically use membrane systems, partial pressure blending, or continuous blending. Each method has its own advantages and safety considerations.

For dive operators, safe nitrox production depends on trained fill station personnel, oxygen-compatible, oxygen-clean equipment, and attention to detail throughout the filling process. For divers, safe nitrox use depends on knowing what’s in your cylinder before you dive it.

Before every nitrox dive:
💨 Analyze your cylinder.
% Verify the oxygen percentage.
✍️ Label it with your name, mix, date, and maximum operating depth (MOD).
✅ Dive the gas you’ve personally verified.

Nitrox cylinders can look alike, and mix-ups can happen in the compressor room, at the dive site, and beyond. The only way to be certain what’s in a cylinder is through individual analysis and marking.

Read Nitrox Production Methods by Mike Welch in the Q3 2026 issue of Alert Diver magazine: dan.org/nitrox-production-methods/

09/23/2026

The DANcast has reached 50 episodes! 🎙️🤿 What’s been your favorite episode so far?

Since launching in early 2025, DAN’s podcast has grown into a trusted platform for diving knowledge and storytelling, supporting our educational mission through conversations that combine practical safety insights with real-world experiences.

Check out some of The DANcast's most popular episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhr_YHqKReC_3iNYgYlRDv812C-3rifk-

• Michael Lang, UC San Diego Center of Excellence in Diving
• Patrick Widmann, KISS Rebreathers | Cave Diving Explorer
• James Blackman, Divers Ready
• Mike Dudas, Technical Wreck Diver
• Kenny Dyal, Sweetwater Scuba
• Howard and Michele Hall, Underwater Filmmakers
• Dr. Simon Mitchell, University of Auckland School of Medicine
• Armando Gonzalez & John Villareal, Bottom Dwellers Dive Shack
• Aviad Cahana, Avelo Labs
• Jason Leggatt, Shearwater Research

Thank you to everyone who has listened, shared an episode with a dive buddy, or joined us as a guest over the show’s first two seasons.

To read the announcement and find links to listen, visit: https://dan.org/safety-prevention/diver-safety/divers-blog/dan-podcast-50-episodes/

The DANcast, the official podcast of Divers Alert Network (DAN), delivers safety insights through engaging conversations with divers from across the industry...

09/22/2026

Guido Wätzig, CEO of Scuba Schools International (SSI) joined The DANcast to share his journey from teenage dive instructor to leader of one of the largest dive training agencies.

He discusses SSI's commitment to safety, education, and the principles behind the SSI Diver Diamond, including personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and emergency preparedness.

The conversation also covers SSI's partnership with DAN through the Powered by DAN program, which integrates the skills and standards of DAN's first aid, CPR, oxygen administration, and basic life support courses into SSI's first aid training.

▶️ Watch the full episode:

Guido Wätzig, CEO of Scuba Schools International (SSI; ...

09/21/2026

While preparing for a shore dive, Val Marino and her buddy, Larry Berlin, noticed another diver from their group signaling for help. Berlin immediately entered the surf to assess the situation, while Marino alerted a bystander to be ready to call 911 if needed. Moments later, Berlin called for help.

As Marino rushed through the waves, she realized this was far more than a tired diver needing a tow to shore. The diver was unresponsive, with unfocused eyes and yellow foam pouring from their nose and mouth. After Berlin removed the diver’s equipment, Marino helped bring the diver through the surf and onto the beach, where she shifted from rescue to emergency response.

Drawing on years of CPR, first aid, and DAN training, Marino assessed the diver’s responsiveness, breathing, and pulse before beginning CPR. After EMS was activated, a bystander who identified herself as a nurse stepped in to help, and together they provided continuous care until paramedics arrived. The diver was transported to the hospital and ultimately made a full recovery.

In the weeks that followed, Marino grappled with the emotional impact of responding to a dive emergency. As a DAN Instructor, she shares those lessons with other divers, and emphasizes that emergency preparedness is part of being a responsible diver and dive buddy. Staying current with first aid, CPR, and emergency response training builds the confidence and competence to act when the unexpected happens.

Read the full story, When Training Takes Over, in Alert Diver: dan.org/when-training-takes-over/

(Note: The photos accompanying this story recreate the sequence of events and were produced after the incident occurred.)