Is Freediving Dangerous? The Truth About Risks and Safety in Training

Freedive Hong Kong
Apr 15
2 min read

Updated: Apr 24

At Freedive Hong Kong, we're often asked about freediving safety. The reality? When learned properly through our AIDA 2 Freediver course, the risks are minimal and well-controlled. Let's examine the actual risks you might encounter during training.

Real Risks in Beginner Freediving (And Why They're Manageable)

1. Equalization Issues (Most Common But Temporary)

What actually occurs:

Mild "squeeze" sensation in sinuses (like airplane pressure)
Temporary ear discomfort (similar to shallow scuba diving)
Occasional throat tension during early Frenzel attempts
In some cases, minor traces of blood in saliva from throat squeeze (resolves within hours)

Why it's common for beginners:

New divers often make sudden movements
Initial tension affects equalization
Learning proper Frenzel technique takes practice

Our prevention system:

✓ Step-by-step equalization coaching

✓ Immediate feedback on every dive

✓ Never push through discomfort

2. Shallow Water Blackout (Extremely Rare in Training)

The facts:

Has never occurred in our beginner courses
Only possible if ignoring multiple safety rules
Requires specific physiological conditions we screen for

Our protection:

✓ Constant instructor supervision

✓ Conservative breath-hold limits

✓ Mandatory buddy system

3. Lung Barotrauma (Rare)

The truth:

Never occurs in beginner courses
Extremely uncommon in advanced training
Possible with repeated depth pushing

Why Our AIDA 2 Course is Designed for Maximum Safety

1. Risk Priority in Training

1️⃣ Equalization comfort (most common focus)

2️⃣ Movement efficiency (reduces oxygen use)

3️⃣ Safety protocols (prevent all serious risks)

2. Our Comprehensive Safety Framework

✔ Private Dive Boat - Dedicated vessel for our students only, allowing perfect control of dive conditions and immediate access to support

✔ Premium Equipment Investment - High-quality, well-maintained gear including:

Premium quality training buoy for student comfort
Low-volume masks for easy equalization
Properly freedive weighted belts, and neck weight
Full-length wetsuits for buoyancy control

✔ Swimming Pool Training - All initial skills practiced in our private pool before open water:

Controlled environment
Perfect visibility
Easy access to sides

✔ Pre-dive health screening

✔ 1:4 instructor ratio maximum

✔ Progressive depth introduction (5m → 12-20m)

✔ Rescue drills before open water dives

3. What You'll Actually Experience

Common (normal):

Temporary sinus pressure
Equalization practice
Technique refinement

Rare (managed):

Minor throat squeeze
Fatigue from new movements

Never in our courses:

Serious injuries
Blackout incidents
Emergency situations

From Nervous Beginner to Confident Freediver

"The private boat and pool training made me feel completely safe while learning. I could focus on my technique without worrying about conditions!" - Sarah, course graduate