Your lungs behave like a balloon underwater. As you ascend, air expands. If you hold your breath while ascending, that expanding air has nowhere to go. This can cause serious lung injury. Never hold your breath. Always breathe continuously. Did your instructor explain WHY this matters?

Most panic underwater isn’t caused by lack of skill. It’s caused by surprise. • mask floods unexpectedly • current feels stronger than expected • breathing feels different at depth • visibility suddenly drops When the brain doesn’t understand what’s happening, it assumes danger. Understanding diving reduces panic. Confidence comes from knowing what’s normal. Have you ever felt close to panic underwater? What triggered it?