Most of the serious injuries associated with scuba diving are caused by:

The most serious injuries associated with scuba diving are primarily linked to rapid ascents due to the effects of pressure changes on the body. When a diver ascends too quickly, the decrease in pressure can lead to a condition known as decompression sickness, commonly referred to as "the bends." This occurs because as pressure decreases during a rapid ascent, nitrogen that has been absorbed into the body's tissues under high pressure forms bubbles. These bubbles can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from joint pain and rashes to more severe conditions such as paralysis or even death.

Additionally, a rapid ascent can also result in barotrauma, which is damage to body tissues due to pressure changes affecting air-filled spaces in the body. This includes the lungs, which can rupture if a diver holds their breath during a rapid ascent, leading to serious respiratory complications.

In contrast, while cold water temperature can pose risks such as hypothermia, and alcohol consumption can impair judgment and increase the risk of accidents, these factors do not typically lead to the serious, specific medical emergencies that are associated with rapid ascents. Additionally, too rapid of a descent can cause discomfort and injuries such as barotrauma but are less common in regard to serious injuries compared to the dangers posed by ascending too quickly