Top 10 Mistakes New Divers Should Avoid—When Scuba Diving South Florida

Diving in South Florida—from the vibrant reefs around the Florida Keys to wrecks off Palm Beach—is a dream for many beginner divers. Whether you’re diving South Florida for the first time or simply learning the ropes, avoiding the common pitfalls early on can make your experience safer, more enjoyable, and much more memorable. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 10 mistakes new divers often make, and how to prevent them. 1. Skipping the Pre‑Dive Safety Check One of the most critical blunders beginners make is not completing a full gear check before entering the water. Failing to verify your BCD, weights, releases, regulators, and air supply can lead to malfunction once submerged. Use a pre‑dive checklist (like BWRAF: BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final okay) with your buddy every time to ensure everything is in working order 2. Poor Dive Planning and Unclear Briefings Entering the water without a clear dive plan—is a recipe for trouble. Whether you’re diving South Florid...