SWB becomes a very real problem after 3 minutes for most of us. To market freediving as a somewhat safe sport then the competitive mindset needs to be minimized. Leave that to the extremists who want to set records. Most people that get into freediving are looking at it as an entry level way to get in the water, a simple way to get to look at pretty reefs, they don't want to be bothered with loads of scuba gear/costs/classes/hassle, they just want things to be simple and fun.
Freediving offers this option, and I don't mean just basic snorkeling, I mean actual breath hold diving which is the next step from just floating around on the surface. Many people start doing this without even realizing they are actually diving. It's a fluid and natural transition.
The more people do this the better they get at breath hold, and before they know it they're up beyond a minute gliding around looking at stuff. This can be true of families just enjoying snorkeling on reefs who love to spend a lot of vacation time in the water. Beyond a couple minutes and deeper than 30 or 40 feet (for most people) will take some official training and/or concentrated effort and commitment.
People who develop good freediving skills are more apt to pursue scuba diving as a way to satisfy the craving for more.
Those that get really good at freediving and get in with the right buddies/people may pursue advanced or competitive freediving as an end in itself.
Should just regular people take PF classes? maybe.
It wouldn't hurt for them to know what SWB is all about and how to minimize the risks. I think a simple recreational basic skin diving course would be a great idea. Not everyone needs to take a high performance class, but some recreational snorkelers/beginning freedivers are good enough just from self practice that they should at least begin to know some of the risks.
Right now there is no basic class that I know of.
