Scuba diving is one of the most exciting activities for families to do together. Not only is it a unique experience, it’s a great way to see Hawaii’s hidden natural habitat up close and personal. Banzai Divers in Honolulu, HI, is Oahu’s premier location for scuba certifications for everyone in the family aged 10 and up. According to their team, a little preparation can help make your scuba experience fun, safe, and easy.

The instructors at Banzai Divers adhere to methods taught by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)—the world’s foremost dive training certification program. Getting scuba certification is quick and easy, which makes it perfect for those who’ve never taken scuba lessons before.

Here are the top three scuba diving tips everyone should know before hitting the water for the first time.

• Don’t Hold Your Breath: The first rule taught in scuba certification is to breathe normally at all times. Breathing normally allows excess air to escape from the lungs, which is critical as air expands and contracts in your lungs in ever-changing underwater depths.
• Ascend Slowly: Nitrogen is increasingly absorbed in the blood as scuba divers descend farther under water. This nitrogen can form bubbles if a diver ascends too quickly, which can lead to decompression sickness. The rule of thumb is to not ascend faster than 30 feet per minute to regulate nitrogen absorption properly.
• Stay With Your Guide: You should always dive with experienced professionals if you’re an inexperienced diver. Look for PADI-certified trainers to take you on a guided scuba tour as a way to avoid hazardous areas and keep you safe. Diving with scuba professionals is also smart because they can check your equipment to make sure it is in proper working order before you dive.