Aim
Recover a regulator using both the sweep and reach methods and continue breathing from it.
Reason to Learn
This skill is taught so that in the event that your regulator is knocked from your mouth you'll be able to quickly and calmly recover it and continue breathing normally.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: One minute or less
Here's How:
- Inhale normally from your regulator.
- Holding the regulator with your right hand remove it from your mouth. Hold it with the mouth piece facing down.
- While the regulator is out of your mouth, slowly exhale by blowing small bubbles.
- Throw the regulator away from your body to the right.
- You will now retrieve the regulator using one of two methods:
- Sweep Method
- Lean to the right while reaching back with your right hand to touch the bottom of your tank.
- Keep your arm straight and sweep it forward towards your face. The regulator will hang over your arm.
- Reach Method
- Lean to the right. Reach with your right hand over your right shoulder and feel for the first stage regulator which is attached to your tank. You may need to use your left hand to lift the bottom of your tank to make it easier to reach.
- Move your hand along the hose for your second stage regulator until it is in your hand.
- Sweep Method
- Place the regulator back in your mouth and clear it.
- Check that your regulator is free and clear and in no way tangled.
Tips:
- If the regulator becomes tangled or you don’t find it stay calm and repeat all of the steps. If you can’t locate it using the reach method, try the sweep method, or vice-versa.
- Remember to continuously exhale while the regulator isn't in your mouth.
- If the regulator begins to free-flow (air comes gushing out) when you take if out of your mouth, either turn it so that the mouth piece is facing down or put your finger over the hole in the mouth piece. Using either method the free-flow should stop.
What You Need:
- A full set of scuba gear.