What is a potential danger of diving without proper equipment?

Diving without proper equipment can lead to a significant risk of decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." This condition occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depths where the pressures are higher, especially when nitrogen absorbed during the dive is released too rapidly from the tissues in the body. Without appropriate gear, such as a dive computer or depth gauge to monitor ascent rates, a diver may inadvertently ascend too quickly, increasing the likelihood of nitrogen bubbles forming in the bloodstream and causing serious health issues.

Proper dive equipment helps manage pressure changes and allows divers to track their throughout the dive, ensuring safe ascent profiles. It also contributes to overall dive safety by allowing for adequate emergency procedures and giving feedback on various environmental factors, such as depth and time underwater. Therefore, the absence of suitable diving gear not only increases the risk of health hazards like decompression sickness but also compromises the diver's ability to make calculated and safe decisions during the dive.