Posted by northcoastdiver on October 23, 2002 at 07:57:58:
In Reply to: Mask Removal Panic posted by Todd on October 22, 2002 at 12:25:07:
In a pool partially flood your mask and continue to breath. Flood the mask more and continue to breath and get used to breathing with water on your face still with the mask on. Completely flood the mask and keep breathing. At this point it makes no difference wether the mask is on or off so just pull it off. If you get paniky and lock up close your eyes and plug your nose and continue to breathe as smoothly as possible. Continue this until you can breathe normal. Slowly let go of your nose while concentrating on smooth breathing and when your nose is unplugged and you are breathing good, slowly open your eyes while continuing to breathe as smoothly as possible. Remember, keep breathing and don't lock up your breath. This should work.
At the ocean do this in a shallow area, where if you need to you could stand up and be out of the water. Once you are cool with cold water slapping you in the face and know what to expect, it won't make any difference if you're at 20 feet or 100 feet, you will be able to do it.
Good luck