Blackout & LMC

Blackout doesn't warn you

A shallow-water blackout looks like someone just… slowing down. No panic, no thrash. The brain switches off to save itself, and the body floats.

LMC        loss of motor control — shaking, no response
blackout   loss of consciousness, usually 0–5 m from surface
protocol   blow, tap, talk — airway first
surface    remove the mask, say the diver's name

If it happens

Keep the airway above water, blow on the face, tap the cheeks, say their name. They usually come back in seconds. Then: no more diving today.