Water Challenge

The water in the pool was freezing. There was a reason why this physical test was the bona fide final for field work.
But as he dunked his head under the surface and opened his eyes, there was a strange sense of calm.
The water wasn't silent, not by a long shot. But it did muffle and distort the sounds that made it through.
He felt his senses sharpen in focus as his muscles started to work.
Deeper and deeper, until his lungs started burning. Find the right holes to swim through.
Use every pocket of air you can find.