“BWRAF, Burger With Relish And Fries — And a Side of Not Dying”: Why Pre-Dive Safety Checks Still Matter

We all know the scene — the sun is shining, the water looks like something out of a travel magazine, your gear’s set up, and your dive buddy gives you that “Let’s just get in already” look. But before you do your best Jacques Cousteau impression, let’s talk about something wildly unsexy but absolutely essential: the pre-dive safety check.

Two divers conduct a thorough buddy check, reviewing equipment and dive signals, as they prepare for a safe underwater adventure.

Yes, that check — the one you learned in your Open Water course and promised your instructor (and your mom) you’d do every dive. Spoiler alert: skipping it isn’t a badge of experience. It’s just an easy way to turn a great dive into an uncomfortable, dangerous, or downright disastrous one.

Why We Check

Let’s be honest — dive gear doesn’t usually fail because it’s poorly made. Problems often come from human oversight. You know, that “Oops, forgot my weights again,” or “Why is my tank valve only half open?” kind of thing. A pre-dive safety check is your last line of defense between a fun dive and becoming a cautionary tale told at dive shops over beers.

BWRAF: Five Letters That Could Save Your Life

Aka: Burger With Relish And Fries, Breathing Water Really Ain’t Fun, or my personal favorite, Begin With Review And Friend.

Let’s break it down.

🧥 B – BCD

Check that your BCD inflates and deflates properly. Tug those dump valves. Does it hold air? Is the inflator hose connected? Is your buddy’s shoulder dump cord caught under a strap like it always is? Fix it now — not underwater while your buddy shoots to the surface like a cork.

Double-check the tank strap too. Tanks have a funny way of developing escape artist tendencies at 40 feet.

⚖️ W – Weights

Ah yes, the “I’ll just hold a rock” crowd. You’d be amazed how many divers forget their weights until they’re bobbing at the surface wondering why they’re not sinking.

Make sure you and your buddy know where each other’s weights are located — belt, integrated, trim pockets, ankle, forehead (okay, maybe not that one). Check they’re secure but also easy to ditch in an emergency.

🔓 R – Releases

In an emergency, your buddy should be able to remove your gear faster than you can say, “Why is my octo in my drysuit pocket?”

Review all straps, clips, and dump systems. Know your buddy’s setup — because unclipping a stranger’s harness blind underwater isn’t fun, especially when they’re panicking.

💨 A – Air

This one deserves a moment. Seriously, stop. Take a breath (preferably from the regulator you just tested).

Yes, your SPG says full. But is your tank actually on? Open it all the way — no quarter turns here. That “old-school” habit is outdated and dangerous. Fully open your valve and then take a few deep breaths while watching the SPG. If the needle bounces or drops — bad news, your air isn’t flowing properly.

Test your primary and alternate second stages (aka octopus), and exhale first. You don’t want a surprise shrimp in your mouth at 60 feet. And take a taste — if the air smells like a lawn mower, speak up.

✅ F – Final Check

Mask? Fins? Defog? Computer set? Snorkel you’ll probably ditch five minutes in? It’s all important.

Streamline loose hoses, check that your camera is clipped in, your computer is reading the correct gas mix, and your SPG is secured but accessible. Then do one last look-over — and let your buddy return the favor. Two sets of eyes are better than one, especially when the one is fogged up with sunscreen.

The Bottom Line

Whether it’s your first dive or your five-hundredth, complacency is the real danger. Dive accidents are rarely caused by a single catastrophic failure — they’re usually the result of a chain of small, preventable mistakes. The safety check is your chance to break that chain before it even begins.

So yes, run through the BWRAF. Use a goofy mnemonic if it helps. Laugh at your buddy when they forget which pocket their weights are in — but then make sure they’ve got them. Because underwater, “Oops” is never funny.

Happy diving. Check your gear, check your buddy, and remember: Breathing water really ain’t fun.

Want to stay safe and have fun? Join us at Dive Buddy Scuba Adventures for upcoming trips, courses, and equipment tips. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more scuba wisdom and underwater shenanigans.