What is the recommended practice if experiencing a student diver's anxiety?

When a student diver is experiencing anxiety, the most effective and supportive approach is to reassure and assist them while prioritizing their safety. This involves engaging with the diver in a calm and understanding manner, helping them to feel more comfortable in the situation. Providing reassurance can help alleviate fears, while assistance can range from offering emotional support to providing practical help, such as adjusting equipment or reviewing techniques.

This approach recognizes that anxiety can stem from a variety of factors, including unfamiliarity with the underwater environment or equipment, and that each diver may require different forms of support to overcome their feelings. By remaining attentive and supportive, the instructor fosters a safe learning environment, which is essential for building confidence and ensuring the diver's enjoyment of the activity.

In contrast, encouraging the student to go underwater immediately might increase their anxiety or panic. Suggesting a break for an hour could provide relief, but it might not directly address the root of their anxiety or include constructive support. Leaving them alone to manage their feelings risks deepening their anxiety and disconnecting them from the support that could help them overcome it. Thus, the recommended practice of reassuring and assisting the diver stands out as the most effective means of addressing anxiety in this context.