Water Breathing is an Alteration spell, as well as an alchemical and enchanting effect in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Additionally, Argonians are able to breathe underwater as a racial ability. Water Breathing is useful in situations that would normally entail a possibility of drowning, such as accessing the submerged entrance to Geirmund's Hall or the various sunken ships. It also allows the Dragonborn unrestricted access to underwater food items such as Clam Meat and ingredients such as Nordic Barnacles and various fish. Additionally, Water Breathing aids in quests with underwater components, such as Locate Reyda's remains.
Water Breathing is an Adept-level Alteration spell. Casting it allows the user to breathe underwater for 60 seconds. It cannot be cast while underwater or swimming. Casting it repeatedly while standing in water is an effective way to level the Alteration skill. Casting Candlelight ten seconds before casting water breathing is good indicator of when you need to surface to avoid drowning.
Potions with Water Breathing may be brewed at an alchemy lab. When consumed, they temporarily allow the user to breathe underwater. The strength of the effect is determined by the Alchemy skill of the potion's creator.
The Volsung Mask is the only item guaranteed to possess this effect and cannot be disenchanted for the Water Breathing enchantment.
■ Solaf in Gray Pine Goods, located in Falkreath carries a random enchanted necklace it could be one of waterbreathing.
■ Alvor in Riverwood may sell the Dragonborn a helmet of waterbreathing.
■ Equipment enchanted with Water Breathing may be randomly obtained as dungeon loot or from merchants, albeit extremely rarely. One way to find a piece with the enchantment is to utilize a skeleton at Cradlecrush Rock that always holds a random piece of enchanted headgear. Simply save somewhere far from Cradlecrush Rock, travel to the area, and check the skeleton. Repeat until an item with Water Breathing is found.
■ Another skeleton found at the bottom of the lake outside Darkwater Pass has a strong chance of bearing a helmet with the enchantment (along with other items).