Swimming requirement

[SailorC27]

I can swim, but I am not a strong swimmer, if that makes any sense. My experience at a gym is I can swim only one length 50 yards than I am gassed. Though I do consider myself in average shape. The 200 yard requirement bothers me some. Usually I swim 50 yards, stop for a minute and then can do another 50, and do this half a dozen times. I do hang on the edge at the end of a 50yd. I believe I am breathing properly exhaling under water and inhaling about every other stroke. Using fins I am sure that I could do the 300 yd requirement don't think I need the mask and snorkel. Would you expect that I will have a problem. I may be able to do 50 yd paddle on my back for a little break and then continue to freestyle but I have not really tried this.

Based on what you have experienced, how much of a problem will I have?

 

[Can't swim]

None! Fortunately for me my instructor used a calendar to time my swim!!!

 

[TMHeimer]

Do the 300 instead if you can. If not, get advice on your form and breathing. Swimming has nothing to do with "swimming with fins on". You can be in great shape, comfortable in the water and konk out after 50 yds. if you don't swim regularly. Based on my experience (be it at age 55), you may have exactly the same problem as me doing the exact distance- 50 yards. 3+ months later I'm still working on doing 400 for DM course, though I can finish it now--my time still sucks. I didn't have to swim for OW course--just the fins/snorkel thing- aced that. Good luck.

 

[ptyx]

I'm not sure which swim test you're talking about (PADI OW?), but my experience (CMAS and even GUE) has been than diving swim tests are more about staying afloat for a long time than being fast.

Pace yourself. Go very slowly. Alternate with breaststroke/backstroke/dog paddle/whatever to recover. You'll be fine.

Long term, you might want to take swimming lessons (I know I should myself).

 

[boulderjohn]

First of all, there is no requirement for a specific stroke. You can alternate between a crawl, breast stroke, back stroke, etc. You can do a backstroke the entire distance if you wish.

Next, there is a good chance a minor adjustment in your technique will help you tremendously. A couple of lessons could take care of your problems--you would be amazed.

 

[AndyNZ]

Based on what you have experienced, how much of a problem will I have?

Whilst not meaning to be overly negative, it may be useful to think about why a scuba course has a swimming requirement.

It's not some pointless box that needs to be ticked to get your card, there is a real chance that at some stage you may need to swim more than 50 yards in the ocean and/or assist other divers who are tired and can't make the swim on their own.

Yes, 99% of the time you will have fins with you - but even then, if you think you "may" be able to do a 300 yards then you have room to improve your swim fitness, not to "get the card" but because it will increase your comfort in the water and improve your ability to proffer aid to others if needed.

I am not a swimming instructor, and like you am not a "great" swimmer... but I am a firm believer that we are creatures limited by our self-belief. As has been pointed out, a couple of swim lessons will help you no end - but so will changing the way you approach your swimming. My first suggestion would be to slow down and force yourself to not have a minute break between lengths - just do two lengths, or even a length and a half. Once you find that you can swim more than you think you can, the world is your oyster!

I'd also suggest on swimming to the point where you can't swim any more, and working out exactly what it was that stopped you.... were your muscles not working, could you not breathe enough etc. This will give you an indication of what you need to do to improve.

 

[firstdive2005]

For me, when I did mine, my instructor said pretend it's real life. You are a long way from shore, how do you pace yourself, how do you keep yourself from panicing? Change your stroke to level muscle fatigue. Just get the job done and dont drown on my shift.
I was surpised how easy it was.
Now my rescue course, that was another story......way more fun.

 

[vladimir]

My experience at a gym is I can swim only one length 50 yards than I am gassed. Though I do consider myself in average shape.

You are probably correct in your assessment that you are in average shape. Sadly. Unfortunately, to approach anything resembling fitness you need to be in well-above-average shape. The good news is that well-above-average is easily attainable for anybody willing to put down the remote control, get off the couch, and occasionally leave the car in the garage.

The suggestion to alternate strokes is a good one (usually between breast and crawl). Or just use breaststroke the whole way, especially if there is no time constraint.

 

[halocline]

I would consider your interest in diving as an opportunity to improve your swimming, and of course through that your overall health. Even if you can pass the OW swim test, only being able to swim 50 yards without stopping would make me uncomfortable in a sport where you are frequently further than 50 yards from a boat or shore.

I bet with a little practice and some instruction you'll improve your swimming greatly, and this will make you a much more confident dive student.

 

[Lead_carrier]

Even if you can pass the OW swim test, only being able to swim 50 yards without stopping would make me uncomfortable in a sport where you are frequently further than 50 yards from a boat or shore.
.

Matt, that statement is, to me, an excellent to do the snorkeling instead of the swim. How many times have you ever been 50 yards from the boat, yanked off all your gear and swam back instead of snorkling back?

I definitely want people that are comfortable in the water but every "rescue" that I've seen have involved mask, snorkle, fins and a float.