Do you need to know to swim before you know how to dive?

Question

Do you need to learn swimming first before you learn diving?

Answer 1

only if you dont want to drown

Answer 2

Well, when you dive, you need to come back to the surface. Swimming will probably help you with that.

Answer 3

It would help you so you don't drown in the water.  That way you can staY ALIVE!!!! That would be concidered a good thing for you and those who care about you!

Answer 4

think about that question.

You get up there, you dive.. you can't dive into shallow water, of course. So you land in the deep end... and then what? You drown. The end.

Answer 5

um yea r u dumb

Answer 6

yes!!!!!!! you cant swim out of the pool if your diveing in and not knowing how to swim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you would drown!!!!!

Answer 7

DUH!!! I learned how to swim at 6 but i did not know how to dive until I was 12!

Answer 8

yeah if you dive without knowing how to swim especially in deep water you would drown

Answer 9

Yes it is always good to know how to swim before you begin to learn to scuba dive.

Answer 10

you have to crawl before you can walk..

Answer 11

Oh yes you do  if you want to come back out alive. Diving may look simple to do when sitting on your couch and watching it on TV, but it's more complicated than just jumping in.

Answer 12

Yes, you should know basic swim skills before attempting Dive Certification.  Part of most course work is a swim-test, which is given by each instructor.  The PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) manual states that:

"students are required to have reasonable fitness and comfort in the water."  It doesn't really say anything about having to be able to swim -- but it's a really good idea!

Think about it - what if you are done with your dive, and then want to snorkel around on a reef???   You would definitely need to know how to swim, then.  :)

PS...  As you enjoy the sport more and more, and want to advance upward in certifications; swimming is ABSOLUTELY necessary!  At the Divemaster level, you have to swim something like a half mile - TWICE!