Proper buoyancy control is important not only for your own safety and enjoyment, but the protection of the environment as well. By maintaining neutral buoyancy during your dives, you'll avoid contact with fragile bottom dwellers and delicate growths of coral.

Poor buoyancy control also increases the amount of sand that your fins kick up into the water. When these sand particles settle, they can smother filter feeders and tiny organisms such as coral polyps.