Is it true you don't have to be a good swimmer to...
Rated • 2 reviews • scuba diving • aquaviews.net
Is it true you don't have to be a good swimmer to dive?
The simple and most commonly heard answer to this question is yes, it is true; you don't have to be especially good at swimming to Scuba dive.
I've heard this said a little too often and surprisingly by some experienced Scuba Instructors which is a little worrying to say in the least especially when the statement isn't backed up by a longer explanation. What is even more shocking is when you hear somebody say, "You don't need to know how to swim to Scuba Dive, your BCD acts as a life vest". The truth is that you need to be able to swim if you want to learn to Scuba dive, and not just one swimming lesson either, to get by your certification requirements, but well enough to be able to save yourself should the worst occur. Certification agencies like NAUI and PADI require the diver to be able to swim at least 200m unaided to certify, and to be able to tread water (stay afloat) for at least 10 minutes and be comfortable in the water. This is the bare minimum requirement to be able to Scuba Dive.
The simple and most commonly heard answer to this question is yes, it is true; you don't have to be especially good at swimming to Scuba dive.
I've heard this said a little too often and surprisingly by some experienced Scuba Instructors which is a little worrying to say in the least especially when the statement isn't backed up by a longer explanation. What is even more shocking is when you hear somebody say, "You don't need to know how to swim to Scuba Dive, your BCD acts as a life vest". The truth is that you need to be able to swim if you want to learn to Scuba dive, and not just one swimming lesson either, to get by your certification requirements, but well enough to be able to save yourself should the worst occur. Certification agencies like NAUI and PADI require the diver to be able to swim at least 200m unaided to certify, and to be able to tread water (stay afloat) for at least 10 minutes and be comfortable in the water. This is the bare minimum requirement to be able to Scuba Dive.
