What should a diver do if they become separated from their buddy during a rescue?

When a diver becomes separated from their buddy during a rescue, the priority is to ensure their own safety while maximizing the chances of reuniting with the buddy. Searching the immediate area and maintaining situational awareness is crucial in this situation. This approach allows the diver to look for signs of their buddy's presence and assess the environment for potential hazards.

Maintaining situational awareness means being alert to changes in water conditions, observing any potential currents, and monitoring the visibility. It also involves listening for any sounds that might indicate where the buddy could be or for signals that could indicate a need for assistance. In addition, retaining a calm and focused demeanor is essential for effective decision-making and to avoid adding to the stress of the situation.

Surfacing quickly may result in losing the buddy if they are still submerged, while waiting in the same spot could lead to drifting away or missing the buddy if they try to find the diver. Panicking is never advisable as it can lead to poor choices and increase danger for both divers. Therefore, the approach of searching the immediate area while staying aware of the surroundings is the best practice in safely reuniting with a buddy.