How does swimming horizontally benefit a diver?

Swimming horizontally offers significant advantages to divers, particularly in terms of avoiding contact with the seabed. By maintaining a horizontal position, a diver can effectively navigate the underwater environment while minimizing the risk of disturbing marine life or damaging sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs. This position is ideal for exploration and ensures that the diver maintains a safe distance from the seabed, which can be crucial to prevent potential entanglements or abrasions.

While other benefits might be associated with swimming in a horizontal manner, such as energy efficiency and speed, the primary focus for divers is often on maintaining an appropriate profile to protect both themselves and the underwater habitat.