True or False: You must stop the ascent of a diver who suddenly bolts to the surface.

The situation described involves a diver who unexpectedly ascends rapidly, which can pose serious risks such as barotrauma or decompression sickness. The primary responsibility of a rescue diver is to ensure safety, and it is critical to recognize that not all sudden ascents are equal in terms of urgency to intervene.

Stopping a diver from ascending can be crucial, particularly if they are panicking or appear to be in distress. However, the correct response is nuanced, as not every situation warrants immediate intervention to halt their ascent.

Understanding the behavior of divers is essential; if a diver bolts to the surface due to discomfort or anxiety rather than a physical inability to manage their ascent, it may be safer to let them surface, then assist them once they are out of the water. Escalating to a physical intervention can sometimes increase the risk if the diver is not actually in immediate danger. Therefore, those trained in rescue protocols must assess the situation carefully before deciding on the best course of action, which supports the idea that stopping the ascent is not always necessary unless there is a clear indication of distress or danger.

This perspective is why the assertion that you must stop the ascent is not universally true. Safety protocols emphasize a measured response based on the diver's condition rather than