If you’ve spent any time around experienced divers, you’ve probably heard them talk about Nitrox—often with a knowing smile and a “once you try it, you won’t go back” tone. Also known as Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx), Nitrox has become increasingly popular in recreational diving, and for good reason.

When most people think of scuba diving, they picture tropical reefs, warm waters, and sun-drenched beaches. But for a dedicated community of divers, New Jersey’s icy Atlantic waters in the dead of winter hold a different kind of magic. Beneath the frosty surface lies a world of shipwrecks, marine life, and adventure that only the bold get to experience.

Decompression sickness (DCS), also known as "the bends," occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream due to rapid changes in pressure after a dive. Here are several strategies to reduce the risk of DCS while scuba diving: