* Magnetism is a fundamental force: It's not dependent on air or other materials. Magnets create a magnetic field that extends around them, and this field can influence other magnetic materials regardless of whether water is present.

* Water is not magnetic: Water itself doesn't interfere with magnetic fields. It's not a ferromagnetic material (like iron, nickel, or cobalt) that strongly attracts magnets.

Think of it this way:

Imagine you have a magnet and a piece of metal underwater. The magnetic field from the magnet still reaches the metal, attracting it just as it would in air. The water in between doesn't block the magnetic force.

Practical examples:

* Magnetic compasses: These work underwater because the Earth's magnetic field can still influence the compass needle even when it's submerged.

* Magnetic stirrers: These are used in laboratories to mix liquids and they work perfectly underwater.

* Magnetic fishing: People use strong magnets attached to ropes to retrieve metal objects from bodies of water.

So, while water can make it more challenging to use magnets (due to friction and visibility), it doesn't prevent them from working.