Swim under water - a manifestation of deep feelings.
To dream that you are underwater, suggests that you are feeling overcome with emotions and are in need of greater control in your life. You may be in over your head regarding some situation.
To dream that you are breathing underwater, represents a retreat back into the womb. You want to return to a state where you were dependent and free from responsibilities. Perhaps you are feeling helpless, unable to fulfill your own needs and caring for yourself. Alternatively, you may be submerged in your emotions.
Dreaming of being underwater suggests you are in over your head regarding some situation. You need to gain better control over your life.
Being underwater or seeing an underwater scene can have many different meanings, depending on the events and feelings going on. Some possibilities are:
The idea or feeling of "other worldly," or distant from reality
A desire to escape reality or take a break
(If the water is pressing on you or you are panicking, etc.) A feeling of overwhelm or mental/emotional smothering
The environment of your inner life at the time of the dream (for example, clear water could represent clarity of thought or feeling, and murky water could represent confusion)
The idea of going outside of your comfort zone, since water is outside a human's usual air-based environment
(If able to breath underwater or stay under a very long time) a feeling of invincibility, power, uniqueness, or specialness—or a wish to feel that way