Which method is used to promote safety during ascent from a dive?

Performing safety stops during ascent is crucial for promoting safety because it helps to control off-gassing. When divers ascend, the reduced pressure allows dissolved gases in the body to come out of solution and form bubbles. If a diver ascends too quickly, there may not be enough time for these gas bubbles to safely escape from the body, leading to the risk of decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

By incorporating safety stops at specific depths during ascent, divers give their bodies additional time to off-gas nitrogen more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of bubble formation that can cause injury. Typically, a safety stop is performed at around 15 to 20 feet (5 to 6 meters) for three to five minutes, which is a practice endorsed by diving agencies for added safety.

The other methods mentioned do not contribute to safe ascent. Rushing to the surface disregards safety protocols and significantly increases the risk of decompression sickness. Using large bubbles to guide ascent lacks scientific basis and can mislead divers about their ascent rate. Holding one’s breath during ascent is particularly dangerous, as it can lead to lung over-expansion injuries if air expands within the lungs as the diver rises. Thus, performing safety stops is the most reliable method for