During a safety stop, at what depth do divers typically pause?

During a safety stop, divers typically pause at a depth of 15-20 feet. This depth is effective because it provides a balance between being shallow enough to facilitate off-gassing of nitrogen accumulated during the dive while still allowing for effective buoyancy control.

The practice of conducting a safety stop is important as it helps minimize the risk of decompression sickness by allowing nitrogen to safely escape from the body without the abrupt change in pressure that occurs when returning to the surface. Stopping at this specific depth—15-20 feet—offers enough time for divers to stabilize and observe their surroundings, which can enhance safety and enjoyment after a dive.

The list of other potential depths mentioned may either be too shallow or too deep, leading to decreased effectiveness of off-gassing or increased risk of pressure-related issues when surfacing, respectively. Thus, the range of 15-20 feet stands out as the commonly accepted and safe practice for divers following their ascent.