Some people believe that knowing how to swim is not necessary in order to learn how to scuba dive.
And while swimming is not a requirement to complete a Discover Scuba diving lesson, in order to gain your scuba diving licence and become a confident and fully independent diver, it is essential to know how to swim.
Here are five reasons why you need to know how to swim in order to learn scuba diving.
1.Safety reasons
If an emergency situation arises while scuba diving, such as:
-Equipment failure
-Running out of air
-Or strong currents
Being able to swim efficiently will be a life-saving skill. It allows divers to make a controlled ascent to the surface, or to swim to safety if needed.
2. Surface swims
Before and after a dive, divers spend a lot of time on the surface of the water. You may need to do a surface swim to reach the dive site, to reach the boat from the port or to return to shore. Basic swimming skills are essential for these surface swims, which can be short distances or longer distances in open water.
3. Buoyancy control
Being able to control your buoyancy is a crucial aspect of scuba diving. Skills that you learn from swimming help you to maintain a horizontal position in the water. The kicking technique that you will have mastered will help you to effectively propel yourself underwater and you will be able to control your buoyancy like a pro!
4. Confidence
Knowing how to swim and having spent a lot of time practising swimming gives scuba divers confidence. This confidence translates into comfort and relaxation during your dives.
5. Fitness and endurance:
Swimming is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise and can contribute to your overall fitness and stamina. Good physical fitness can enhance your diving experience by reducing fatigue and improving your ability to handle the physical demands of diving.
While knowing how to swim is important for scuba diving, it’s not necessary to be an Olympic-level swimmer. Most scuba certification agencies require a basic swim test as part of their training programs. To complete the PADI Open water course you must be able to swim 200 metres and tread water for 10 minutes.
These requirements are in place to ensure that divers have the minimum swimming skills necessary to be able to scuba dive safely. If you have concerns about your swimming abilities or want to improve them, you can talk to your Instructor or take part in some swimming lessons to help build your confidence.
Remember practice makes perfect!