inhaling water while diving

Question
Hello,
I know that there was a similar posting about my question. I took scuba diving and during my first pool session I inhaled water through my nose because my mask wasn抰 cleared properly I guess. I don抰 remember exactly what happened, I just resurfaced from 10 feet and now have to repeat the first pool session. I am now scared that the same think would happen to me in deeper boat dives. I know that I should not inhale water, but is there anything that can be done if one accidentally inhales water? I really want to get my certificate , but I don抰 want to drown Many thanks in advance for your help.  

Answer
This one is easy.  And common.  Don't sweat it.

Start in shallow water, edge of pool, hand on side of pool or otherwise supporting yourself, no mask on, drop into water breathing, no mask on, face submerged.  In mouth, out nose.  Continue.  You can keep your eyes closed and just relax.  Just get used to this sensation.  It is new!

It is also very easy.

Now you are used to it.  You can come up.  Comment how easy this was, then do it again, and this time have some help putting your mask on while exhaling through your nose (this is easiest just having it on your forehead, though you'll be told this is wrong!).  Go ahead and keep your eyes closed if you want to.  Just relax.  Because you are exhaling through your nose, you'll clear your mask very easily.  If your eyes are closed, you'll not feel the sensation of the splashing.  Do this again.  Now you are used to that.

I doubt you'll ever have a problem again once you master this!

Let me know how it works out for you.  You'll need at least a dive master, I believe, to assist you in this training.

saludos,
James