Why must divers avoid consuming alcohol before diving?

Consuming alcohol before diving can significantly impair cognitive function, which is crucial for making sound decisions underwater. This impairment affects judgment, coordination, and the ability to respond to emergencies, all of which are essential for safe diving. Additionally, alcohol can impact balance and motor skills, making it more difficult for divers to manage their equipment, maintain proper buoyancy, and communicate effectively with fellow divers.

Moreover, alcohol has physiological effects that can complicate the body's response to physical stressors, such as changes in pressure and the potential for decompression sickness. Overall, the risks associated with impaired cognitive function and physical coordination can lead to dangerous situations underwater, emphasizing the need for a clear mind and full physical capability while diving.