What is crucial for breath-hold divers to ensure safety underwater?

Clear visibility is essential for breath-hold divers to ensure safety underwater because it allows participants to identify and avoid potential hazards such as rocks, currents, or other divers. When divers can see clearly, they can assess their surroundings, spot dangers before they become immediate threats, and navigate effectively. Good visibility also helps divers to monitor their own condition and that of their diving partners, which is vital for maintaining safety during a dive.

While good swimming skills, strong teamwork, and using diving equipment have their own importance, the primary focus for breath-hold divers is to be aware of their environment. Without the ability to see underwater hazards clearly, even the best skills and teamwork may not prevent accidents. Thus, having clear visibility directly influences the diver's ability to make safe decisions while submerged.