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it as soon as possible or take the suit to a SCUBAPRO
authorized dealer for repair.
Assessment of risks
Diving with a wetsuit carries an inherent amount of risk, just
as any other SCUBA diving activity. These risks include:
Hypothermia – Hyperthermia
Wetsuits are used in varying temperature conditions, where
there may be combinations of cold at the surface and in the
water or warm/hot surface conditions and cold water. It is
important to be aware of your own thermal comfort range,
so as to be able to prevent overheating or chilling.
A wetsuit provides excellent thermal protection but it does
have limits and your safety and fun will depend on the
combined action of water temperature, workload and your
own body type.
If the body loses too much heat and the body temperature
reaches unsafe levels, we are in a condition known as
hypothermia. Hyperthermia takes place when the body
temperature rises beyond the normal range. While using
a wetsuit hyperthermia can be experienced during surface
intervals in warm climates or while diving in warm, shallow
waters when engaged in activities that require a high
workload.
It is strongly advisable to always wear gloves, boots and
hood together with a wetsuit anytime the water temperature
may expose the diver to the risk of hypothermia.
It is important to know your own limitations and comfort
range, this allows you to recognize a situation of discomfort
as a danger signal. Hypothermia and/or hyperthermia are
both harmful and possibly fatal conditions.
During any diving activity, constantly monitor your workload
to prevent excessive gas consumption, fatigue, stress,
overheating and other risks.
Please refer to the following table to determine the
wetsuit model best suited to your needs and usual water
temperatures; make sure to check the thermal performance
class printed on the suit.
WETSUIT THERMAL PROTECTION CLASS
Thermal performance
class of wet suit material
Water temperature ranges
(°C)
A 7°C/45°F to 12°C/54°F
B 10°C/50°F to 18°C/64.5°F
C 16°C/60.8°F to 24°C/75.2°F
D >22°C/72°F