You'll Hold Your Breath: A Diver's Struggle After Breath-Holding Training

04.01.2026 - 14:54

Source: https://onedio.com/haber/bir-serbest-dal...

Diving is an activity that is as enchanting as it is complex and challenging. For some, diving transcends being merely a sport; it becomes a passion, a way of life. Hence, no matter how demanding it may be, the unique experiences offered by diving are priceless to them. However, the accidents and mishaps experienced by divers are enough to leave us breathless, even just from watching.

The moments when a free-diving athlete performed the critical stage known as the 'surface protocol' after an underwater breath-holding training session went viral on social media. Those who watched the athlete's moments were left holding their breaths.

You can watch it from here;

What is a surface protocol? The events in the video unfold as follows;

onedio.com

1. Static Apnea Training

The athlete has held his breath for an extended period while remaining motionless under water (static apnea). This is a demanding exercise that significantly reduces the level of oxygen in the body and increases carbon dioxide.

2. Surface Recovery Breath

Upon emerging from the water, the first thing he does is take a 'recovery breath' to rapidly draw oxygen into his lungs. The sharp and forceful inhalations and exhalations we hear in the video are to prevent fainting and quickly return the level of oxygen in the blood to normal.

3. Surface Protocol (Safety Test)

In free diving competitions or serious training sessions, the athlete must prove that he is conscious. Therefore, he methodically removes his mask and indicates, either through motion or verbally, that he is okay.

So, why is there someone else with him?

The person with him is a safety diver. He checks whether the athlete is experiencing 'LMC' (Loss of Motor Control) or 'Blackout' (Fainting). In the video, as the athlete is trying to recover, the safety officer gently assists him in keeping his head above water.