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Free diver, 21, wants to 'give back' to the ocean that has helped him

Twenty-one-year-old free diver Iestyn Morgan shares how plunging into the seabed benefits his mental health and why he aims to protect Welsh waters.

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02 Aug 2026Source: BBC Science & Environment2 min read (0 views)Last updated 04 Aug 2026
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Free diver, 21, wants to 'give back' to the ocean that has helped him

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

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  • Twenty-one-year-old free diver from Pembrokeshire shares seabed experiences
  • Spends four to five hours at a time underwater, boosting mental health
  • Notes that Welsh waters are currently under severe environmental pressure
  • Aims to give back to the sea that brings him immense joy and healing

Free diving is far more than just an extreme underwater sport for a young Welsh enthusiast; it serves as a profound mental sanctuary. Describing his descents to the seabed as an otherworldly experience, the 21-year-old athlete has opened up about how his deep-sea explorations have become a cornerstone for maintaining his psychological well-being.

Iestyn Morgan, hailing from Pembrokeshire, revealed that he regularly spends an impressive four to five hours underwater during a single session. This extended immersion in the quiet depths acts as a tremendous therapeutic outlet, offering significant benefits to his mental health.

Spending four to five hours in the water during free diving sessions requires exceptional breath-hold endurance, physical conditioning, and mental composure. Activities like this often induce a meditative state similar to mindfulness, which has been widely documented to lower anxiety and promote psychological resilience.

underwater ocean conservation marine life

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Despite the immense joy and peace the ocean has provided him, Morgan has observed a troubling reality closer to home. He pointed out that Welsh waters are currently enduring severe pressure, prompting him to feel a strong sense of responsibility to give back to the marine environment that has given him so much support throughout his life.

Source: BBC Science & Environment

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