We often get asked a lot of questions and quite intelligent ones. How can I stay underwater longer was the most recent and so I went to go and research the answer.
I found a website about How to Hold to Hold Your Breath Longer that incorporates breathing exercises. You can also hold your breath longer by a process called hyperventilation. This involves taking 3 or 4 quick breaths in succession immediately before you go underwater. Place emphasis on your exhales by blowing as much air out of your lungs as possible. The last inhale before descending should be as deep as possible.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the gas that we need in order to trigger the brain to initiate the response to inhale. CO2 is the byproduct that results when the body metabolizes the Oxygen (O2) The body needs the CO2 to reach a certain level before it is triggered. Doing the forceful exhalations you are trying to get as much CO2 out of your lungs as possible. This extends the breath- hold by tricking the brain into thinking it doesn’t need to breathe.
I learned it eons ago and have taught it to a countless number of Scuba Divers and Snorkelers. I teach for Visibility Unlimited and it is extremely important that no more than 4 breaths be used because excess hyperventilation can cause you to pass out or experience what is called “Shallow Water Blackout“. Here is a link to an article I found on shallow water blackout. Being able to hold your breath longer in warm water than in cold water, is because your body works harder in colder water.
