How to Keep Water From Getting Up the Nose While Underwater

Prevent water from entering your nose while swimming.

Experienced swimmers quickly learn how painful it can be to get water up the nose. Water in the sinuses not only hurts, but it can cause infection, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians website. Employ a simple trick to keep water from getting up the nose while underwater and you'll never experience the pressure of water in your sinus cavity again. Soon, every time you go under water you will effortlessly keep the water out of your nose.

Instructions

1. Inhale deeply before you go under water and hold your breath briefly as you dive, jump or submerge your face under water.

2. Begin immediately to slowly exhale air through your nose and mouth simultaneously. If you are exhaling through your nose, water cannot enter your nose.

3. Continue exhaling as long as you keep your face under water -- until you need to take a breath.

4. Pull your face out of the water and take a deep breath of air through your mouth to fill your lungs. Hold your breath briefly again as you put your face back under the water again.

5. Exhale again through your nose and mouth. The exhaling of air should be a slow, yet constant, stream of air. This will keep water from entering your nose.

6. Repeat the same breathing sequence as you swim and play under the water.

Tips & Warnings

• If this breathing sequence feels uncomfortable, consider using a nose plug to prevent water from entering your nose as you swim. Place the nose plug securely over your nose to pinch your nostrils closed. Inhale air through your mouth and hold your breath underwater.

References

• American Academy of Family Physicians: Sinus Infections
• Los Angeles Trade Tech: Front Crawl Drills and Tips
• University of Florida: Teaching Children to Swim