When surface diving to the bottom, which position should you descend in?

Descending feet first is the recommended position when surface diving to the bottom. This position provides several important advantages for safety and visibility. When you descend feet first, you maintain a more controlled entry into the water, reducing the risk of injury, particularly to the head and neck. The feet-first position allows you to easily spot potential hazards on the bottom and assess the environment before fully immersing yourself. Additionally, if there are any unforeseen circumstances requiring a quick reaction, such as encountering an obstacle, being in a feet-first position enables you to react more swiftly and safely.

While the head-first position might allow for a quicker descent, it presents a greater risk of injury if you hit an object or the bottom unexpectedly. The tucked position may also be appropriate in certain circumstances, such as in a competitive diving context, but it is not ideal for a general rescue situation where awareness of the environment is crucial. Being on your back does not facilitate a proper descent to the bottom, making it impractical for this specific scenario. Overall, descending feet first strikes the best balance between safety and situational awareness.