Terrifying footage shows mom, 30, freediving into a VERY tight underwater tunnel in Florida – as she reveals holding her breath helps her to RELAX
Unnerving footage captures a woman freediving through a very narrow cave network, the tunnel just wide enough for her body to fit through.
In the 42 second clip, Tiffany Marie Owen30, from St. Petersburg, Florida, can be seen taking a deep breath before gently diving down to the depths below in Ginnie Springs.
With a GoPro in one hand, she uses her other hand to slowly guide her through the underwater obstacle course until she slips through the tunnel and surfaces on the other side. The total time under water is 30 seconds.
Other videos posted to her social media accounts show her performing similar stunts, with thousands of viewers expressing a mix of horror and amazement.
The 42-second clip shows Tiffany Marie Owen, 30, of St. Petersburg, Florida, taking a deep breath before slowly plunging into the depths
With a GoPro in one hand, she uses her other hand to slowly guide her through the underwater obstacle course until she slips through the tunnel and surfaces on the other side
One commenter wrote ‘this gives me so much anxiety but great you can do that’ while another exclaimed ‘this is amazing! I’d be super scared!’
Freediving is a form of underwater diving that relies on holding your breath until you surface, rather than having breathing equipment.
There are extreme and sometimes deadly consequences to freediving, if not done correctly, due to the breathing limitations and pressures associated with such low water depths.
For all of her stunts, Tiffany has safety divers accompanying her.
When she tries to navigate an underwater tunnel, there are generally two above the hole and one diving down with her.
While the idea of being underwater in a confined space can freak some people out, Tiffany says she finds “comfort” in those kinds of environments.
She explains, “It’s more about relaxing the mind, slowing down your heart rate and being in a meditative state before diving.
‘Our dive reflex in mammals plays a major role in our multi-system physiological response to being in the water, just like manatees, otters and dolphins.
“People are made for diving… Freediving is a great sport that has helped me build mental strength, relaxation is everything in this sport.”
The Floridian started freediving a year ago and then obtained her certificate.
She says professional training is absolutely necessary, as the sport can be deadly if not done correctly.
She hopes her videos will educate the public about freediving as a sport, but also highlight its dangers.
The Floridian started freediving a year ago and then obtained her certificate
She says professional training is absolutely necessary, as the sport can be deadly if not done correctly
A child’s mother says: ‘This sport can kill, so I think people should know how to do it as safely as possible’
The diver says it is essential to find a dive buddy you can “entrust with your life,” that “if you lose consciousness, your dive buddy is capable of rescue”
For those thinking about getting into freediving, Tiffany emphasizes the importance of getting qualified
A child’s mother says, ‘This sport can be deadly, so I think people should know how to do it as safely as possible.
“I encourage anyone interested in freediving to get certified.”
While freediving has brought Tiffany a world of benefits, it has also made her realize the magnitude of water pollution.
On the topic of environmental issues, she said, “Florida’s population has exploded.
“Florida faces major challenges as a result of the continued development and destruction of our land.
“Animal populations are declining, Florida’s coral reefs are dying, the red tide is getting worse every year.
The health of Florida’s resources is also deteriorating due to the use of fertilizers, and due to human influence, the submerged aquatic plants die and are replaced by algae.
“I find rubbish everywhere, even in the caves.”
For those thinking about getting into freediving, Tiffany emphasizes the importance of getting qualified.
She also says it’s essential to find a dive buddy you can “entrust with your life,” that “if you lose consciousness, your dive buddy is capable of rescue.”
While it’s dangerous, Tiffany says “so is driving, but both can be done safely.”