Scuba diving is an exhilarating experience that allows you to explore the underwater world in a way that would otherwise be impossible.
But many people are hesitant to try scuba diving because they don’t think they’re strong swimmers.
You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to be a strong swimmer to scuba dive. In fact, as long as you’re comfortable in the water and can swim a distance of about 200 yards (or 200 meters), you should be fine. Of course, being a stronger swimmer will make your experience more enjoyable, but it’s not a requirement.
How far do you need to be able to swim?
One of the most common misconceptions about scuba diving is that you need to be able to swim long distances in order to safely participate.
The reality is that you only need to be able to swim for about 200 yards (or 200 meters) in order to safely start your dive.
How deep do you really go?
One of the misconceptions about scuba diving is that you will be swimming great distances underwater.
In reality, most dives only take divers down about 30-60 feet.
Divers move slowly and methodically throughout their entire dive, which conserves air and energy.
What if I can’t swim at all?
If you really can’t swim at all, there are still options available for you.
Many diving courses offer beginner classes that include basic swimming lessons.
A few swimming lessons will help you to develop your ability and water confidence before you move onto scuba classes.
These will help you a lot, for while you do not need to be a strong swimmer to scuba dive, you should be comfortable in the water.
Swimming skills are important for your enjoyment though
While you do not need to be a strong swimmer to scuba dive, having some swimming skills can certainly make your experience more enjoyable.
For example, if you know how to swim, you will be able to move around more easily underwater and explore the underwater world more fully.
In addition, knowing how to swim will allow you to better enjoy the safety stop at the end of each dive.
The safety stop is an important part of scuba diving, it gives you time to decompress and adjust to the change in pressure before resurfacing.
If you do not know how to swim, you may find yourself struggling during the safety stop and feeling uncomfortable or claustrophobic.
Finally, having some swimming skills will allow you tune out the noise of your breathing apparatus and focus on the sounds of the underwater world around you.
One of the best things about scuba diving is being able to relax and take in all the sights and sounds of the underwater world; if you do not know how to swim, this may be more difficult for you to do.
The physical requirements for scuba diving
While you don’t need to be a strong swimmer to scuba dive, there are some physical requirements that you must meet in order to participate in this activity.
For example, you need to be able to:
– Swim 200 yards unassisted
– Tread water for 10 minutes
– Remove your scuba mask and replace it while underwater
– Signal for help using the international sign for “I am okay”
If you can meet these physical requirements, then you should be able to safely scuba dive, even if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Of course, even if you can meet these physical requirements, that doesn’t mean that scuba diving is right for everyone.
If you have a fear of being underwater or enclosed spaces, then scuba diving is probably not going to be the activity for you.
In addition, if you have any medical conditions that could be exacerbated by scuba diving—such as asthma or diabetes—then it’s important to speak with your doctor before participating in this activity.
Final words
Scuba diving is a great activity for people who want to explore the underwater world, but some people may be hesitant to participate because they think they need to be able to swim well.
In reality, you only need to be able to swim 200 yards in order to start your dive.
Swimming skills are important for your enjoyment though – while you do not need to be a strong swimmer to scuba dive, having some swimming skills can certainly make your experience more enjoyable.
