For scuba/snorkelling, Do I need to know swimming ?
825352
You do not have to be a "stong" or "excellent" swimmer to dive or to snorkel. The important thing is that you are comfortable in the water and aren't claustrophobic with a mask on your face having your nose covered, as you will breathe through your mouth only.\n\nIn both scuba and snorkelling you use your legs and the fins on your feet to move, not your hands.\n\nIn snorkelling you can we an inflatable vest that will keep you afloat while allowing you to move. In scuba diving the whole idea is to move slowly and not exert yourself. That way you conserve air and get to stay down longer and see more.
932739
Don't worry, if it's your first swimming practice ever then they're gonna teach you all that stuff there. You don't have to worry about being overwhelmed or anything. \nThe flipping under water to change directions you do it later on not at the beginning, at first it's ok to just push off the wall again.
1123335
Sounds very cool, are you going to wear an immersion suit, or something to protect you from the cold water? Is the Zoar sport a "sit on top"? I like those best as it forces you to wear some kind of Cold water suit, and if you go over it's bum first, feet last to get back on. Take care, and don't forget to wear your PFD.
735673
Many people have done it. No, you don't need to own a PADI shop in any way. Two good examples of this type of operation, near me, are the Kirkfield Quarry and Innerkip Quarry. Innerkip has a small dive shop (basics) whereas Kirkfield has nothing at all but a parking lot.\n It ought to be safe and diver friendly, and be at least 30 ft in depth. That helps with diver training. Having neat stuff to look at helps as well, like cleaned, sunken vehicles, interactive diver attractions such as message boards, movable sculptures, etc.\n You'll be responsible for dealing with Diver liability. You'll need the appropriate release forms and insurance coverage.\n Here's a link to the features at Innerkip  http://www.scubaont.com/magazine/locations/quarrys/innerkip/default.htm\n and here's one to Kirkfield  http://www.scubaq.ca/ontarioscubadiving/kirkfield.htm\n Just to point out the different features that both have. As you can see from Kirkfield, it's just a quarry that is limited to divers only. No fishing allowed. The guy makes a decent buck on Toronto area training centres and buddy divers.\n It's all going to boil down to land ownership and zoning, business regulations where you are and liability.
1066489
Both of the answers above are excellent advice. I am a Scuba instructor and like to add to their advice.\n\nRecreational diving is normally up to 40 meters. Please review your certification standards and follow them. If you are certified to dive that deep I would consider not doing it. You should be comfortable in the enviroment you dive in.\n\nIf you always dive over 40 m and always experience Nitrogen Narcosis, I suggest you dive shallower to lessen the occurace.\n\nDiving deep can be fun but it is also very dangerous. You really have to be on top of things. As you know many things can happen other than Narcosis. Remember that diving is a sport and you should enjoy the dive. I have been diving for 30 years and have done deep decompression dives but my favorate depth is about 10 to 35 m.\n\nPlease dive safe. Follow the rules and standards. You will dive for years to come.\n\nHope this helps.
321341
Sure.  A vest works just fine.  All you have to do, minimum, is float face down on the water and kick with fins on.  It's an odd sensation to breathe through the snorkel, though, and if you're uncomfortable in the water it can be a little scary.  \n\nLots of folk like to dive down to look more closely, but not necessary to enjoy it.  But yes, if you're not a good swimmer, definitely wear a vest.
295599
YMCA's sometimes have scuba certification classes.  Also check with a local sporting goods store they might know where to get a cert. or try the good 'ol yellow pages
628809
It depends on the level or type of coaching you want to do. The above answer is right, but for USA swimming there are several tests plus lifeguard certification and other recommended courses. You owe it to your potential clients to learn as much as you can, teach them the strokes correctly and safely, and have a good attitiude.
215328
diver license? don't know about that. drivers license...check with dmv
201007
The Red Cross offers several courses for swim coaches and learn to swim classes. The most informative to teach swimming would be the WSI (water safety instructor) class. In this class you will learn tips on how to teach the basic swim strokes.
1110341
Get trained. You need strong swimming skills and good technique or you are risking your  life as well. Try the Red Cross, or a similar organization. Since I don't know where you live I can't make any other suggestions for training.\nAlways supervise children and pets around the pool. Even a short distraction can be fatal.
1113844
Yes, you can continue on with the Advance Course of your training, and since your initial classes will still take place in a pool, it will give you a chance to get back in the groove again. I am sure you still remember the dives you had when you got certified, so I wouldn't be too worried. If it had been two or three years, I would suggest getting some bottom time in first, but with one season time.... you should be fine. Good luck!!
304199
umm..well i think u should do regular swimming, but thats because I am a swimmer. u probably need a camera and someone that can work it. dont do it in 0 degree water cuz that would be really cold! i think u should make it funny cuz i think those are the best. if i are really gunna do these then good luck and i hope it turns out well!
1166531
Well, gotta know the specifics first.  Time, place and do I need to bring a swim suit and towel??
1102398
Depends on where you're at.\n\nI learned when I was living in Thailand for a month. But I have continued my experiences in Brazil, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and Guam to name a few.\n\nNot knowing where you are or your situation you can learn on vacation trips or pretty much at any certified scuba center near you. You can also search online or the yellow pages for local places nearest you.
648892
Swim under the water.  That builds up more endurance.  Go side to side in the pool.  You can probably go one way without taking a breath.  You definitely need goggles for this. Underwater is often the fastest way because there is less turbulence.
551655
I'm a PADI Scuba instructor and I had the same fear as you when I started diving in the ocean. As soon as I got my first license to dive (open water) I enrolled in a "Hazardous Marine Life" class. I really had a need to know what to lookout for. It's fear of the unknown. Learn all you can of the things in the water in your area. Snorkel or dive and see what is down there. You will be surprised to find there is little that can really harm you as long as you do not harm them. The more you know, I think you will have more confidence. I show my kids everything I can in the water. Because of their knowledge, their comfort level is very good for their age. Take it a step at a time like the others said and conquer your fear for the love of your sport! Like myself and my kids..You CAN do it. Good luck :)