True or False: It is difficult to detect a heartbeat underwater, so providing rescue breaths is necessary.

The statement is true because understanding the conditions underwater is crucial in recognizing the signs of distress during a rescue. Detecting a heartbeat underwater can indeed be challenging, primarily due to the difficulty of using the standard methods we rely on out of the water, such as feeling for a pulse.

In situations where a diver is unresponsive or showing signs of distress, providing rescue breaths is essential. In the absence of clear indications of breathing, it becomes critical to assume that the diver may require immediate assistance. Administering rescue breaths helps to ensure that oxygen is still delivered to the body, which is vital for survival until further help can be provided or the diver is safely back to the surface.

Therefore, the functionality of initiating rescue breaths underscores the immediate need for oxygen support, especially when a heartbeat cannot be easily assessed. This principle is integral to rescue diver training, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in emergency situations.