What should you do if a diver suffers from panic underwater?

When a diver experiences panic underwater, the most effective response is to calmly soothe them and guide them to the surface while adhering to established safety protocols. Panic can be triggered by a variety of factors, including equipment malfunction, loss of orientation, or sudden changes in underwater conditions. A calm and reassuring approach meets the diver's emotional need for security and helps to mitigate the sense of panic.

By guiding the diver to the surface safely, you not only help them regain composure but also ensure that all safety protocols are followed. This involves ascending at a safe rate and possibly performing safety stops if necessary, which protects against barotrauma and decompression sickness.

Other approaches, such as leaving them alone or surfacing abruptly without regard for safety, can exacerbate the situation and potentially lead to dangerous consequences. Providing additional weights would not address the issue of panic and could further complicate the diver's ability to swim or control their buoyancy. Thus, the structured and supportive approach is the most beneficial for both emotional well-being and physical safety.