Transitioning from swimming to scuba diving: What first-time divers need to know

Moving from swimming to scuba diving involves learning a new way of breathing, moving and communicating underwater. PADI instructor Mia Raghavi explains what first-time divers should expect before entering open water.

For most individuals, their introduction to the underwater world happens when they swim. This could be from an early age when they spent time in a pool, on vacation by the sea, or simply out of interest in finding out what lies underwater. However, transitioning from swimming to scuba diving is not the same as trying out another style of swimming.

How good a swimmer should you be to try scuba diving?

One does not have to be a great swimmer before learning how to dive. However, you must feel at ease and comfortable in the water before engaging in scuba diving, since you will go underwater and explore a new environment. During beginner diving programs like PADI Discover Scuba Diving or Open Water Diver course, there are specific skills that are taught to make the first scuba diving experience easy. The aim here is to make sure that new divers get accustomed to being underwater and learn the skills needed before they dive.

How is scuba diving different from swimming?

Breathing is one of the major differences when it comes to swimming and scuba diving. During swimming, most people either turn sideways or lift their head entirely out of the water to breathe. However, scuba diving allows a participant to breathe continuously underwater through the regulator. Within one short session, anyone can learn how to breathe using scuba gear.........

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