Which factor is a common cause of diving accidents?

The choice concerning poor planning and lack of training stands out as a prevalent cause of diving accidents due to its fundamental impact on diver safety and preparedness. Effective planning is critical in diving; it encompasses risk assessment, understanding the dive site, establishing communication protocols, and ensuring that all equipment is functioning correctly. When divers fail to adequately plan their dives or lack the necessary training and knowledge, they may encounter unforeseen situations that can lead to accidents.

For example, if divers are untrained in emergency procedures or unfamiliar with decompression limits, they might not react appropriately to changes in their environment or physical condition, leading to dangerous outcomes. Furthermore, a lack of training can result in improper use of equipment, which further increases the risk during a dive.

In contrast, while low visibility conditions can contribute to challenges underwater, many divers are trained to navigate such situations safely, and there are measures like using dive lights or relying on a buddy system that can mitigate these risks. Insufficient airbags and diving in familiar waters are not typically causes of diving accidents in the way that poor planning and lack of training are, as they do not directly impact the primary skills and decision-making processes that divers must employ.