My friend and I want to take scuba diving lessons. But...?

Question

her dad wants to do it too. but he has 11 stents in his heart. can he do it?

Answer 1

He needs to go see his doctor to be certified fit to dive (your scuba instructor will very likely not allow him to take the open water dives without one, with his heart condition and all).

During your scuba class, you'd be asked to do some water exercises (like treading water for 10 minutes, swimming 200 meters, etc.) and confined water dives. If he is able to do those, then it may be okay for him to take scuba classes. I am quite fit but when I took my scuba certification, there were times when I suffered from panic attacks, nausea, and difficulty breathing underwater. He should carefully consider things like those and discuss them with his doctor before enrolling.

Answer 2

He really should ask his doctor. I took diving classes and became certified and have a heart condition, though not nearly as severe. I will tell you that part of the classes include a physical fitness type test in the water. Also, the instructor will require everyone to fill out a statement of health form. Most likely, he will be REQUIRED to have a doctor's written approval to even take the class. Even then, you usually practice in a swimming pool before ever going somewhere else. It really is fun to dive, but be careful.