Like the Thunder Shield and Flame Shield, the standard Aqua Shield can deflect minor projectile attacks from enemies, like those of the Bloominators, Blastoids, Spikers and Clamers, without disappearing. However, the Aqua Shield cannot protect the playable character from losing a try when falling into a bottomless pit, being crushed or running out of time. When taking a damage-dealing blow with the Aqua Shield equipped, the Aqua Shield disappears and the playable character is usually knocked slightly backwards without taking damage while gaining temporary invulnerability for a few seconds. This bubble will prevent the playable character from losing Rings, or even a life if they hold no Rings, when they get hit by an enemy attack, touches an enemy, or runs into a damage-inducing hazard. When the player obtains the Aqua Shield, a protective water bubble will appear around the playable character. Item Boxes containing the Aqua Shield usually either contain or display an icon depicting either a blue water droplet or a blue bubble.