Scuba Diving 101: The Breathing Basics

Keep reading to learn how to breathe properly when scuba diving. 

Did you know that the number one rule of scuba diving is to keep breathing?   

Experts say that holding your breath is a no-no. You should constantly be breathing: inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. Why? This is because as you change depths, pressure decreases and increases accordingly, and if you are holding your breath, the air inside your lungs will either expand or contract, causing your lungs to potentially over-expand or contract. It is important to keep your lungs open if you are always breathing.

When you first think about scuba diving, breathing underwater can be intimidating. But fear not! With a little knowledge and (a lot of) practice, you'll soon be breathing like a pro.

How To Breathe Properly Underwater? 

It is no secret that scuba diving involves using a regulator, which allows you to breathe air from the scuba tank while underwater. The regulator consists of two parts - a first and a second stage. The first stage connects to the tank and reduces the pressure of the air. The second stage is the mouthpiece you put in your mouth to breathe the air.

Now that we've got the equipment down let's talk about the actual breathing. When scuba diving, you want to take slow and steady breaths. Breathing too fast or too shallow can waste your air supply and increase your heart rate, leading to anxiety and panic.

To start, take a deep breath through your mouth and fill your lungs. Then, slowly exhale through your mouth, taking your time to empty your lungs. You should be able to hear the sound of your breathing through the regulator, which can be a comforting sound that reminds you that you're still breathing even though you're underwater.

It's important to remember never to hold your breath while scuba diving. This can cause serious injuries like lung over-expansion, leading to ruptures or even death. Always remember to exhale fully before inhaling again.

You might notice while scuba diving that the air feels drier than usual. This is because the air from the tank is compressed and contains less moisture than the air you breathe on land. To prevent this, staying hydrated before and after your dive is important.