How to Breathe Efficiently When Scuba Diving

Breathing underwater is a skill generally reserved for little fishies. When we land mammals attempt it during scuba diving, we must proceed correctly.

Things You'll Need

  • Dive Masks
  • Fins
  • Snorkels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Understand that oxygen converts to carbon dioxide only inside the lungs.

    • 2

      Know that everything else ' the throat, mouth and nose ' is dead-air space.

    • 3

      Realize that snorkels and scuba regulators increase the length of normal dead-air spaces.

    • 4

      Breathe deeply while diving, in order to flush out dead air and bring fresh oxygen into the lungs.

    • 5

      Inhale slowly (with your tongue at the roof of your mouth, like a splash guard) in case water has entered the snorkel or regulator.

    • 6

      Never hold your breath; trapped air will expand as you ascend.