What does four or five squeezes indicate when communicating by touch contact?

When signaling with touch contact, four or five squeezes typically communicate a specific and critical need for air. In diving situations, particularly in confined or low-visibility environments like caves, divers rely on clear and concise signals to convey information regarding their immediate needs. The need for air can be urgent, and this signal effectively communicates that a diver may be experiencing distress related to their air supply.

This form of communication is vital as verbal communication can become challenging underwater, and visual cues may be limited. Understanding and recognizing this signal allows partners to respond quickly and appropriately, ensuring the safety and well-being of the diver in need.

While other options relate to important situations during a dive, they do not carry the same urgent connotation as the need for air does, making it crucial for divers to grasp the significance of each type of touch signal in their communications during dives.