Can one scuba dive or snorkel without absolutely not knowing to swim?

Answer 1

No. Swimming is part of both scuba diving and snorkeling. Learn to swim first, and then you'll have a great and safe diving and snorkeling experience.

Answer 2

Not really....

Most non-swimmers aren't comfortable enough the water to be able to snorkel or scuba dive. When you snorkel, basically you are just floating on your stomach, and kicking with fins. As long as you are comfortable floating, then you could probably snorkel, but it isn't recommended. What if you lost a fin, or your mask got kicked off by another snorkeler? Then you'd be a non-swimmer stuck out in the open water with no way to get back. More than likely, you'd panic and drown...no fun. You can snorkel with a life jacket and probably be pretty safe, though, but I wouldn't stray very far from shore, and I'd have a buddy with me who was a really good swimmer.

All scuba dive training agencies require some kind of swim test before you can become certified. Usually you have to swim about 200m (any stroke) and float/tread water for 10 minutes.

Hope this helps....it really isn't all that hard to learn how to swim. I'm hoping to take a scuba class in a couple of months, but I didn't know how to swim just a few months ago. I've been snorkeling in the local pool (under the watchful eye of a lifeguard) to become more comfortable in the water. Now, I can backstroke, and float halfway decently. It just takes time, and some swimming instruction can't hurt. The YMCA has inexpensive classes for children and adults, and you usually don't have to be a member to sign up.

Answer 3

I wouldn't recommend anyone going snorkelling without being able to swim - it is basically swimming with a mask, snorkel and fins - as for SCUBA diving most tuition requires that you have a basic knowledge of swimming and a certain level of confidence in the water.

Answer 4

Scuba is a no. You actually have to go under the water to really scuba. Snorkeling however is something you can do without knowing how to swim. You can wear a lifejacket, mask & snorkel then you will just put your face under the water and float. You will still see cool things without being totally under the water. Just make sure you have swimmers with you for safety.

Answer 5

Actually you can but it's risky unless if you have a really trustworthy guide.

These days, everyone can go snorkelling with a life jacket. That way you'll float on the surface of water. That'll guarantee keep you away from drowning.

Diving works about the same like snorkelling with a life jacket. BCD actually acts like a life jacket. Once you inflate it, it will keep you floating. When you are in the water, it will help to control your bouyancy.

I have seen many snorkellers and divers without swimming experience but like I said, it's risky and don't try it without a trustworth guide.

Answer 6

You dont have to know how to completly swim to scuba or snorkel. In scuba diving you b.c.d will keep you neutrally boyant so all you have to do to get around is kick (hopefully your wearing boots and fins) and to get back up fill your B.C with air and breath normally or the pressure in you lungs will change and could cause lung over expansion although i would take clases before scuba diving because theres alot of science behind it. and to snorkel wear a life jacket and kick wit fins on.

Answer 7

Uhhh no. You cant really explore the beauty of real snorkeling without venturing away from the shoreline much less consider diving!

Answer 8

PADI has a swimming portion to the certification class. You can't pass the course if you can't swim. You don't have to be a pro, but you have to be able to swim some laps in a pool.

No certification = no diving. No one will rent you equip/fill air without a C-card.

Answer 9

Only if you keep your feet on the bottom of the pool the entire time.

Answer 10

no, you'll need to be able to swim