What is the last thing to check before making a giant stride or any water entry?

Before making a giant stride or any water entry, it is essential to check that the area below is clear. This is crucial for ensuring safety, as you want to make sure that there are no obstacles, divers, or marine life in the way where you plan to enter the water. Checking the area helps prevent injuries, not only to yourself but also to others who might be in the vicinity.

While confirming equipment readiness, assessing weather conditions, and reviewing the dive plan are all important parts of dive preparation, they are generally addressed in the earlier stages of the process. However, the immediate safety check right before entering the water is to ensure that the dive site is safe and clear of potential hazards below the surface. This final check acts as a last line of defense against accidents as you transition from the surface into the water.