Avoiding and Escaping Scuba Down Currents

[jagfish]

Avoiding and Escaping Scuba Down Currents
A down current is exactly what it sounds like, kind of like a rip current turned downward. They are common when multiple currents collide, and around pinnacles and underwater "cliffs". This video explores some ways to avoid and escape from a scuba diving down current.

 

[Blackcrusader]

I was taught to swim away from the walls at a 45 degree angle and put some air into the BCD to compensate. Helped several divers in down currents at one small island I dive at in Cebu with nice cliff type walls where the currents can surprise you if you are not prepared. Eventually you swim out of the current just don't try to swim up against it directly.