With self-rescue, you're in control!

How much air will Spare Air give me?

Spare Air's initial concept by Larry Williamson, after the night he nearly drowned, was to give divers one more breath. Historically, divers were trained to make an emergency swimming ascent on their last breath of air, so even one more breath would have been helpful. That idea evolved into giving divers enough air in a compact system to safely get them to the surface from 100 feet with several extra breaths.  The original Spare Air, which sold for the first 10 years, contained approximately 30 breaths at the surface, or 1.7 cubic feet of air.  Letters received from divers around the world gave proof to the product's ability to save lives.

Over time, a larger model was made, and Spare Air now has 57 breaths at the surface, or 3.0 cubic feet of air (approximately two - five minutes).   In most diving situations, rising to the surface from recreational depths takes only a few breaths and no more than a few minutes.  In an emergency situation, the same rules can apply if you're prepared.   All divers should be trained and up to date in all the latest safety techniques, and Spare Air gives you the additional tool you need in an emergency.   

Should I practice with Spare Air?

We recommend that prior to diving with Spare Air for the first time, you  attach it to your BC using the Covered Holster, put the BC on and practice removing Spare Air from its Holster.  Next, we recommend you breathe the unit dry ABOVE water, count the number of breaths you receive and get comfortable with the unit.  Finally, on a normal dive, we recommend that you do a practice ascent* with Spare Air from recreational depths so you know how many breaths it will give you (will vary depending on your lung capacity, weight, temperature of the water, activity level, etc.)   Remember, in an emergency, you should begin your ascent to the surface immediately so testing Spare Air in this manner, as opposed to testing how many breaths it gives you at a specific depth, is more realistic.

Will I have enough air to make a safety stop?

Each dive emergency is unique, as is each dive profile.  Depending on how far into the dive the emergency occurs, a safety stop may or may not be necessary.  Not all emergencies are running out of air.  Many equipment failures can occur anytime in the dive (click here to read the 21 Ways Divers Run Out of Air).  Depending on the depth, your lung capacity, weight, etc., there may be additional air for a safety stop.  Read the real-life stories received from customers who share their experiences from various depths and various situations.   In many cases, customers reported that because they had Spare Air with them they felt more prepared, remained calmer than they thought they would be in an emergency and therefore made a much more controlled ascent.

*  To avoid flooding, do not breathe the unit completely dry in a practice ascent underwater.

Warning!  This product is to be used underwater by certified divers only.