Expert: Jesse Scott - 5/12/2009

Question
Hi Jesse,
I know that there was a similar posting about my question. I took scuba diving and during my first pool session I inhaled water through my nose because my mask wasn’t cleared properly I guess. I don’t remember exactly what happened, I just resurfaced from 10 feet and now have to repeat the first pool session. I am now scared that the same think would happen to me in deeper boat dives. I know that I should not inhale water, but is there anything that can be done if one accidentally inhales water? I really want to get my certificate , but I don’t want to drown Many thanks in advance for your help.  

Answer
Hi Beth, thanks for your question.  None of the rest of us want to drown, and neither does your instructor.  

I understand your problem and this occasionally happens when folks are first learning how to clear the water from their mask.  This is why it is an essential skill that you will over learn so that it becomes second nature for you.

Just so you know, I have never had a student that could not master the mask clearing skill and it is OK to be a little nervous at first.

Talk to your instructor about what happened first.  He will understand.  Communicate that you really want to master it.  Hopefully instead of repeating the first pool session he will have an assistant instructor work with you in the shallow end of the pool until you and he feel comfortable and have it mastered.  Then your instructor will have you demonstrate the skill for him.  Once he feels like you have it, then, and only then should he be taking you into 10 foot of water to do the skill.  Once you have it mastered in the shallow end, the deep end is really no different.

Best of luck to you.  Don't give up, you can do this!  Jesse