Should they require swimming for OW certificate?

[MikeFerrara]

OK so the majority says you have to be able to swim, How many of you are supporters of scuba diving matt and his scubility card??? Just wondering.

This isn't really the same thing is it? We know that Matt isn't ever going to be able to independantly conducty a dive and he's never going to be responsible for self rescue or buddy rescue.

I don't know anything about a scubility card but as far as I'm concerned if a bunch of people can put their heads together and find a way to do something that helps someone like Matt get a little more out of life, I guess I'm all for it.

 

[Hockeynut]

This isn't really the same thing is it? We know that Matt isn't ever going to be able to independantly conducty a dive and he's never going to be responsible for self rescue or buddy rescue.

I don't know anything about a scubility card but as far as I'm concerned if a bunch of people can put their heads together and find a way to do something that helps someone like Matt get a little more out of life, I guess I'm all for it.

I am all for it too, but was curious to see responses.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

If you cannot swim you have no business around water let alone in it unless there is something that prevents you from doing it such as a disability. Then you should have someone with you who can save you if something happens.

 

[Hockeynut]

If you cannot swim you have no business around water let alone in it unless there is something that prevents you from doing it such as a disability. Then you should have someone with you who can save you if something happens.

So someone who can't swim can't have someone who can save them, and someone with a disability can.

 

[MikeFerrara]

So someone who can't swim can't have someone who can save them, and someone with a disability can.

I guess if we replace everyone's OW card with a scubility card then all is well and no changes are needed.

I think what Jim was trying to point out is that if you go anywhere near the water, you might end up in the water. If you do, being able to swim can come in pretty handy.

Ignoring diving for a minute, there's water all over the place. I made sure both my kids could swim when they were very young and that was long before scuba diving was even a consideration for them.

 

[Saltair]

I had to pass a surface and underwater swim test. At think as leastt basic swimming skills should be required. I cant imagine not being comfortable swimming and wanting to dive, I would think this requirement would take care of itself, but I am often surprised at what people will try.

 

[Hockeynut]

I guess if we replace everyone's OW card with a scubility card then all is well and no changes are needed.

I think what Jim was trying to point out is that if you go anywhere near the water, you might end up in the water. If you do, being able to swim can come in pretty handy.

Ignoring diving for a minute, there's water all over the place. I made sure both my kids could swim when they were very young and that was long before scuba diving was even a consideration for them.

My kids too. The only point I was trying to make is lots of people seem to want to draw a line in the sand and cut lots of people off. I wasn't the greatest swimmer and because of scuba, I became a much better swimmer. I did pass the 200m and the 10 minute treading water and do think a person should at least do that much.

 

[String]

For certification in europe (EN) area a swim is mandatory BEFORE any open water diving is performed. Yes even PADI have to adhere to this.

(The snorkel is not allowed, it must be swim)

 

[waynel]

Why in the world would you want to get into any body of water deep enough to be over your head and not know how to swim? I live in Louisiana and the only other state that has more water both inland and coastline is Flordia. Drowning is the number one cause of children deaths in the summer months here. If you are going to be in the water you must know how to swim. The opposite term for "swimming" is called "drowning."

 

[fisherdvm]

Why in the world would you want to get into any body of water deep enough to be over your head and not know how to swim?"

I think it is to make more money for the certifying organization.