SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam 2025 - Free Scuba Diver Practice Questions and Study Guide

Using the current to your advantage by swimming at an angle and conserving energy is the most effective response to a strong current during a dive. This technique allows divers to navigate safely while maximizing efficiency. By swimming at an angle into the current, divers can make forward progress while also utilizing the current's energy to assist in their movement. This method reduces the physical strain on the diver, helping to conserve air and stamina throughout the dive.

Engaging directly against the current can be exhausting and may lead to early fatigue, which is not ideal in a potentially hazardous underwater environment. Remaining stationary until the current subsides is not a practical option, especially since underwater currents can be unpredictable and prolonged. Ascending to avoid the current is also risky, as it may cause divers to ascend too rapidly, potentially leading to decompression sickness. Therefore, the angle approach optimally balances safety, energy conservation, and effective navigation in challenging conditions.