Scuba is a unique water sport where people wear equipment, including a tank and breathing tubes, to dive underwater. They may recover items that have fallen into bodies of water, photograph marine life or explore caves and sunken wrecks. They also conduct scientific research and exploration and provide services to the public, like cleaning beaches and maintaining waterways.

The scuba gear includes a steel or aluminum diving cylinder of compressed air, an oxygen tank for breathing, scuba mask and snorkel, fins, buoyancy compensator device, dive computer, regulator, weights and depending on the temperature, an exposure suit. Most recreational divers will also need a wetsuit or drysuit to stay warm and protected from the elements.

While scuba is a popular and fun activity for all ages it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Keeping in good physical condition is essential and divers should always follow the instructions given to them by their instructor. In addition, it is essential that divers never hold their breath underwater and should avoid touching any animals while diving.

It is also important to dive with a buddy at all times. This is to ensure that if something goes wrong or you run out of air you have another person to help. Additionally, it is important to practice a slow ascent and a safety stop. This will prevent you from changing pressure too quickly and causing nitrogen narcosis which can be fatal. Nitrogen narcosis is similar to the effects of drinking too much alcohol.