What is the suggested response to a diver who becomes anxious underwater?

Providing reassurance and guiding a diver calmly to the surface is the most appropriate response when a diver becomes anxious underwater. Anxiety can significantly impair a diver's ability to think clearly and respond effectively to their environment. By offering reassurance, the instructor helps to alleviate the diver's fears and instills a sense of safety and support.

Calmly guiding the diver back to the surface not only addresses their immediate feelings of anxiety but also ensures their physical safety. This approach enables the diver to regain control over their situation in a supportive manner. It's vital for instructors to maintain a composed demeanor, as this can help to further reassure the diver.

Nurturing an environment of support and trust is crucial in scuba diving, where reliance on your buddy and instructor greatly enhances overall safety. Encouraging a diver to push through their anxiety or leaving them alone can lead to potentially dangerous situations, as those actions may increase panic or lead to disorientation. Similarly, chastising a diver for their anxiety would only exacerbate their stress and could lead to a dangerous outcome. Hence, reassurance and a calm return to the surface are the best practices in managing anxiety underwater.