To the enthusiast, freediving is the seductive allure of an underwater world where one can test the limits of physical endurance on a single breath of air and achieve seemingly impossible goals. For the spearfisher, it is a hunt like no other, as prey is stalked while denying the body the air it craves. For the snorkeler, content to enjoy the beauty of the sea, it is a relaxing escape from the mundane. And for all, it is a glimpse into the secrets of the deep and a sense of oneness with a beauty rarely known.

DiveWise, founded by Julie Richardson, was the world's first non-profit freedive safety initiative. In April 2008, Julie nearly lost her two oldest sons to freediver blackout as one tried to rescue the other during a 90 ft freedive. Following the boys' full recovery, Julie determined to create an organization through which she could educate freedivers about safety in the sport in order to reduce fatalities due to blackout.

While the information available on this website is no substitute for hands-on professional training, the diver who habitually practices freedive safety guidelines can greatly reduce his/her risk of death by freediver blackout.

We invite you to explore this site. Safe diving!