Do I need to know swim to do snorkeling?
341762
yeah just where a life jacket and it will still be well worth it.  plus you can see tons of stuff with out getting in deep water.  I am a good swimmer but I couldn't go under water with my snorkel with out swallowing water anyways.  But maybe I'm just dumb!  Anyways I put on a life jacket and loved it all the same.  As long as you aren't scared of being in the water you'll enjoy it.
348151
It depends what kind of diving you mean. If you mean diving off blocks etc then you dont have to be especially great, just confident enough to be in the water. If you mean scuba diving, it does help but it is not vital. The main thing you do in diving is float along and kick your legs. you have fins on so you dont need to kick hard and you have a BCD (buoyancy control device) that helps you move up and down & keeps you afloat on the surface. I know someone who is a highly experienced diver but cannot swim.\nFor snorkelling, it does help. If there is a current or waves you could find yourself away from the boat and having to swim back. If it is nice and cal you just float and use your legs (with fins is better) to basically steer.\nHope this helps you
299063
Please.  Your lungs can not be down as much as 3 feet I believe, or the air would be forced out of your lungs.  Now if you snorkel at normal depth, you can hold your breath and go down as far as you can make it.  But you can't breath continuously unless the air is being pumped.  Your head will not collapse, it's filled with liquid which doesn't compress.
672182
sky diving,i thought this is only for swimming?
3532
Having been in the stuff while my more experienced friends stood around and laughed, I can tell you -\n\nYou won't drown.  Its just like water, only thicker.  It doesn't "suck you down".  Stay calm and swim out slow motion.
1158006
You can scuba dive in just about any water with the correct kit (with a good drysuit and electric undersuit, you can dive in the Artic). \nSo the answer is YES... speak to a local dive shop to get them to lend you the kit.try www.padi.com for the local centres
648082
I'm a Scuba instructor hope this helps...\nTwo answers....\n\nShorts are fine. I use them. Ones about knee level. They may bunch up and feel uncomfortable. Speedos or skins are very comfy.\n\nAlmost all dive courses start in a pool or shallow water. You should get a better understanding of how your ear will react in deeper water. Talk to your instructor. He has the knowledge and experience to deal with this. It is very common.\n\nEar equalization is very important in diving. If you have problems trying to equalizing on land, it may be difficult in the water. Practice before you go. Pinch the nose just enough so air doesn't escape. Blow slowly and increase the pressure. When you hear a click or a sound in your ear, it has cleared. In the water, try facing the ear that doesn't clear upwards and turn your head left and right. Remember to equalize early and often. \n\nTry swallowing. Swallow big or exaggerated. This works for some people.\n\nSome divers including myself when I'm sick use SUDAFED. It doesn't make you drowsy and one or two tabs are good for 4 hours+. I have had 100's of customers use it with no allergic reaction. To be on the safe side consult your doctor.\n\nHope this helps..Good luck!
392018
swim with thier mouths open
854878
The depth of the water shouldn't have anything to do w/your swimming ability, your confidence maybe but not how you swim.  Are you doing the crawl, breast stroke or underwater?  If you are swimming underwater, are you diving in or just swimming down from the ledge?  I don't know if this is helping or if I am just asking you questions to consider.
298713
Swimming is a sport that is known to many different people.It is easy and not very hard to learn.
916868
For swimming underwater, you need to condition yourself small steps at a time. First just dunk your head underwater with a stopwatch, see how long you last, then try going longer, at least like 2 seconds, each try, after a while your lungs will get used to it. I did that and after a while I could hold my breath for 2 minutes and 10 seconds underwater, it's not much but it's a lot better than the 45 seconds I could before. For singing, it works differently, although you could reinforce your breath holding by using the technique above. What works for me though, is taking small breaths, like 1/2 seconds breath every once in a while. I learned to do so by watching rappers, they do it from time to time to be able to keep on going. Good luck with that.
499053
It is totally safe. A lot of people do that which is why PADI courses are set up the same no matter where you go. You can take up to a year to complete the Open Water course without having to take a mandatory refresher class. Just remember to make sure the resort you go to is PADI certified before you book your vacation and dives with them. NAUI dives are significantly more difficult to complete for a first timer. PADI certification also ensures that equipment and facilities are up to the safety standards set by the organization.
129936
divers will ride the dorsal fins commonly. if you expect they will stay at the surface so you can breath you're dreaming. not to mention the force at the surface of the water ripping you away.
254337
Great exercise and therapy:\n\n Swimming can be very demanding for the beginner. Exercise at a comfortable pace and periodically check your heart rate to make sure you're staying in your training range. It is recommended that beginners swim 12-20 minutes, building endurance with time. As you progress, you'll be able to swim farther and faster at each workout, and the efficiency of your strokes will improve. Intermediate swimmers should swim 20-30 minutes and advanced swimmers 30-60 minutes. The freestyle, or crawl, is the most efficient and strenuous stroke. A 150 pound person burns about 8.5 calories, a minute, swimming freestyle. \n\n If you get tired, switch to a less strenuous stroke, such as the sidestroke or breaststroke, or swim a few laps with a kickboard. Swimming in sets - 4 laps freestyle, 4 laps breaststroke, 4 laps backstroke, for example - will make your workout more interesting and will exercise more muscles\n\nSimple Water Exercises:\n\n Kick with a kickboard or holding on to the side of the pool to tone legs, back and stomach. \n\n Leg lifts also condition legs, back and stomach. \n\n Holding on to the side of the pool, lift each leg 10 times in front of you, behind you and to each side. \n\n Running in the water increases your heart rate just as swimming does. Many people who can't run on land can run in the water without a problem. Because of the water's resistance, the impact on your body is far less. In chest-high water, begin by running with your hands on your head, and as you become more fit, paddle with your arms. You can alternate running with skipping, hopping, or even dancing in the water.\n\n Bobbing up and down in the water improves breathing and muscle tone. \n\n Treading in the water improves arm and leg strength. Whatever your level of ability, remember to cool down afterwards with water or stretching exercises
13387
no.  However, safety in numbers, hopefully you know how to swim, always obey posted signs and always obey the life guard.  Swimmers ability is always a factor but should not be the only factor.
73393
It depends on what level you are talking about learning to breath.\nFor a first-time swimmer, doing bobs (submerging the face and blowing bubbles, then coming up for air, repeatedly) helps. This reinforces the practice of blowing out your breath underwater and not holding your breath.\nFor beginners, being comfortable in the water. Might sound simplistic but a fear of the water (even a slight apprehension) makes breathing difficult.\nIf you are talking about the front crawl (freestyle), the one hand stroke drill helps to emphasize correct body positioning while breathing and practices breathing on both sides.
25677
You should find an American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program. Most local pools and athletic clubs offers swim lessons to adults and children. Ask if their instructors are American Red Cross certified. That means they are proficient in each skill and stroke, as well as have been trained in how to teach swim lessons to all ages.