Scuba diving training

Do You Need To Know How To Swim To Scuba Dive?

Technically speaking there’s no direct association between swimming and scuba diving. Swimming keeps you above water whilst scuba diving is done under the water. The common factor between the two is the kicking movement.

However, for safety reasons when you’re learning to scuba dive there may be some minimum swimming requirements. Do you need to know how to swim to scuba dive? Read on…

Non-Swimming Basics

Some entry-level scuba diving programmes don’t ask you to pass a swimming test. These programmes offer diving in a swimming pool – or in shallow open water. Risk is minimised as groups are small and instructors are highly trained. And provide a safe way to try scuba diving for non-swimmers.

As a non-swimmer, the first lesson may be a little daunting. Your instructor will ensure you feel comfortable up to a maximum depth of 12 metres. You’ll be provided with the appropriate equipment and told how it all works.

After your first few breaths underwater you’ll be shown some basic diving skills such as clearing your mask of water – and recovering your regulator. Soon you’ll be confident enough to explore dive sites with ideal environments for beginners who want to see the fantastic marine life close at hand.

Swimming Basics

Scuba diving certification that requires a swimming test will need you to be able to complete a 200-metre swim in any stroke in your own time. And you may need to swim 300-metres with swim aids like a fin, mask, and snorkel.

You’ll also be required to float for 10 minutes on your back, or by treading water. When you intend to scuba dive you need to be comfortable in the water – and be able to handle yourself as confidently under the water as you can on the surface.

Reasons for Swimming and Floating Abilities

Do you have to know how to swim to scuba dive? There are three main motives behind the need for you to be able to swim and float comfortably. These are:

  • To determine whether you as a prospective diver will be calm enough to swim a short distance – and a good indicator if you’ll be relaxed in open water
  • To ensure you’d be able to handle any logistical concerns – floating as you hand over gear into the boat for example
  • Managing in an emergency situation – if your swim aids failed and you had to swim back to the boat or the shore. Or float on the surface as you waited to be picked up

Swimming Benefits for an Enjoyable Dive

If you’re going to get the maximum pleasure out of scuba diving then being a strong swimmer will give you:

  • A feeling of being able to master any changing underwater environment – planning, being flexible, and manoeuvring are all made easier when you have the confidence of a strong swimming technique
  • A sense of reliability with your diving buddy – playing a supporting role every time you dive, and being able to help in times of emergency
  • A safety net, if things start to go wrong underwater – having the ability to swim quickly out of a dangerous situation will greatly reduce any potential risks
  • An emotion of pleasure – making the whole dive experience fun without missing any excitement as you interact with the underwater world

Recreational Scuba Diving Courses

Why not sign up for scuba diving in Playa del Carmen with Koox? You’ll be able to learn all about recreational scuba diving – and progress to technical and deep diving training if you want to take your skills to a new level. With the help of Koox diving buddies and specialist diving equipment, you’ll get the best scuba diving experiences ever!

🤿See Whale Sharks & 🌴 Explore the Cenotes & 🐊Croc Dive 🐢Akumal & 🐟Try Spearfishing or 🏝 Dive & Snorkel with Sea Lions in La Paz🌵