What to Do if You Experience Shortness of Breath Underwater
Shortness of breath while diving can trigger panic and accidents. Learn how to respond calmly, regain control, and stay safe underwater.
SAFETY WHILE DIVING
What to Do if You Experience Shortness of Breath Underwater
Feeling short of breath underwater can be terrifying — and it’s more common than you might think. Whether it’s due to anxiety, overexertion, poor trim, or a tight wetsuit, that “I can’t get enough air” feeling can quickly spiral into panic if not handled correctly. Knowing how to respond before it happens could save your dive — or your life.
First, understand that shortness of breath underwater is rarely due to an actual lack of air. Modern regulators deliver more than enough airflow, even at depth. What divers often feel is perceived air starvation — caused by a mismatch between their breathing pattern and exertion level.
Step one: Stop and signal. If you feel short of breath, pause immediately. Signal to your buddy that you’re not okay (a flat hand rocking side to side) and indicate that you’re having trouble breathing. Don’t keep swimming or ascending without communicating — that can worsen the situation.
Step two: Get control of your buoyancy. Overexertion is often linked to poor trim or fighting to maintain position. Add a small amount of air to your BCD or drysuit and find a neutral position. If you’re over-weighted, you may be constantly kicking just to stay off the bottom — which can increase your breathing rate dramatically.
Step three: Slow your breathing. Take long, deep breaths in through your mouth and exhale slowly. Count if it helps — four seconds in, four to six seconds out. This tells your brain and nervous system that you're not in danger, helping reduce panic and restore proper CO₂ balance.
If you're diving in a current or performing a task, stop immediately and find a sheltered spot or hold onto something stable (if allowed by the environment). Trying to push through discomfort only makes things worse.
Step four: Ascend only if necessary. If your breathing doesn’t improve or worsens, signal to ascend and do so slowly with your buddy. Do not bolt to the surface — that introduces risks of barotrauma and decompression sickness. Maintain control and make a safety stop if you're able.
To help prevent future episodes:
Stay within your training and comfort zone
Fine-tune your buoyancy to avoid overexertion
Maintain good physical fitness, especially cardiovascular health
Practice slow, controlled breathing during every dive
Avoid diving when congested or stressed
Shortness of breath doesn’t have to end your dive — but it’s a warning sign you should always take seriously. The more prepared you are, the more likely you’ll stay calm, safe, and in control underwater.
Happy and safe diving,
The ScubaBlast Team
Divers Alert Network. (2023). Breathing and Gas Exchange. https://dan.org/health-medicine/health-resources/dive-physiology/breathing/
Scuba Diving Magazine. (2022). What to Do When You Feel Short of Breath While Diving. https://www.scubadiving.com/what-to-do-if-you-feel-short-of-breath-while-diving
PADI. (n.d.). Dealing With Anxiety and Panic Underwater. https://www.padi.com/articles/dealing-with-panic-while-scuba-diving
UC San Diego Health. (2020). Shortness of Breath While Exercising. https://health.ucsd.edu/news/features/pages/2020-05-04-dyspnea.aspx