What two skills are critical for rescue divers?

The critical skills for rescue divers include scuba certification and swift water rescue training. Scuba certification provides divers with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate underwater safely, including how to manage their equipment, understand diving physics, and handle potential underwater emergencies. This foundational training is essential for anyone involved in aquatic rescues, as it ensures divers can navigate underwater environments effectively.

Swift water rescue training, on the other hand, equips divers with the skills to operate in moving water conditions, which presents unique challenges such as strong currents and rapidly changing water levels. This type of training focuses on safety measures, rescue techniques, and team coordination in swift water scenarios, making it vital for rescue divers who may encounter these conditions during their operations.

These two areas of training together ensure that divers can conduct rescues effectively and safely in both calm and swift water situations, which is crucial for their role in emergency response.