Why should bounce dives be avoided?

Bounce dives should be avoided primarily because they can increase the chances of decompression sickness. Bounce diving typically involves descending to a depth, usually for a brief period, and then ascending without allowing for a sufficient time at depth to adequately off-gas nitrogen absorbed during the dive. This rapid ascent can prevent the body from safely releasing nitrogen, increasing the risk of bubbles forming in the bloodstream, which can lead to decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

In the context of diving, safe ascent rates and proper safety stops are crucial for allowing the body to eliminate excess nitrogen absorbed during a dive. Bounce dives don't allow for this necessary process of acclimatization and may lead divers to ignore important safety practices. Understanding the physiological implications of fast ascents and insufficient surface intervals can help divers make informed decisions about dive plans.