Why you won’t feel the blackout coming

Freedivers often misunderstand how blackouts can happen underwater. While holding your breath on land, you feel a growing urge to breathe. However, when you come up from an ocean dive, this urge can disappear rapidly, leading to a blackout without warning. This occurs due to the quick drop in oxygen levels as you near the surface. This false belief about breath-holding leads many divers to underestimate risks, making it crucial to dive with a buddy and follow safety practices.