How can a diver mitigate risks associated with rapid deco ascent?

Performing staged decompression stops is crucial for mitigating risks associated with rapid ascent during a dive. When a diver ascends too quickly, nitrogen absorbed in the tissues may form bubbles as it comes out of solution, leading to decompression sickness, also known as "the bends." Staged decompression allows divers to ascend slowly and pause at predetermined depths during their ascent. These stops enable the body to off-gas nitrogen safely, reducing the likelihood of bubble formation and providing a safer return to the surface.

In contrast, ascending quickly, while it might seem to save time, significantly increases the risk of inert gas bubbles forming. While avoiding dives deeper than 30 meters and staying underwater longer may seem like preventative measures, they do not directly address the risks of dehydration and nitrogen accumulation during rapid ascent, which are specific to how a diver ascends after completing their dive. Instead, critical safety measures revolve around controlled ascent strategies, making staged decompression the most effective way to manage these risks.