According to standard safety procedures, how should divers react when feeling hypoxic?

When divers experience hypoxia, which is a state in which there is a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues, the appropriate action is to stop and ascend immediately. This response is crucial because continuing the dive while feeling hypoxic can lead to serious health risks, including unconsciousness or other life-threatening conditions underwater. By ascending promptly, the diver can return to an area where they can breathe normal air, increasing their chances of recovery.

Ascension is typically conducted at a controlled rate, ensuring that the diver avoids rapid changes in pressure, which can lead to other types of injuries such as decompression sickness. This choice also prioritizes the diver's safety above all else, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and responding to physiological distress correctly.

In contrast, other reactions such as pushing through the dive or slowing down to conserve energy may compromise safety further, as they disregard the urgent need to address hypoxia. Seeking reassurance from a buddy, while helpful in some situations, does not address the immediate physiological issue and could result in delayed response to the situation at hand.