Scuba Diving Tips
Non-swimmers Learning Scuba Diving
By Jaruda Suppakarnpanich Date 12 Jun 2025
Can non-swimmers go scuba diving? We'll explain the differences between scuba diving and swimming and why the best answer to this question may be yes and no.
However, scuba diving can seem like an impossible dream for people who can't swim. For those who have only seen it on screen, the allure of scuba diving lies in exploring a magical underwater world teeming with marine life.
You can actually scuba dive if you can't swim through a Discover Scuba Diving program or a related course. We'll explain how you can venture into the depths without knowing how to swim and why there are significant differences between swimming and scuba diving skills that allow non-swimmers to experience scuba diving.
The Differences Between Scuba Diving and Swimming
Can you scuba dive if you can’t swim? It may sound cryptic, but the best answer to this question is both yes and no.
In a water setting, swimming means self-preservation and movement.
Scuba diving is more about knowing how to use scuba diving equipment to breathe, maintain buoyancy, and stay spatially aware in an underwater environment.
Scuba diving is always conducted slowly, methodically, and controlled. It's about exploring and enjoying the underwater environment safely and ensuring the safety of the people you're diving with.
Limitations for Non-Swimmers
Many non-swimmers have successfully experienced scuba diving. They do it through Discover Scuba Diving programs offered by PADI instructors or other recognized scuba diving certification organizations. These programs instruct beginners in the basic concepts of scuba diving: using the equipment efficiently and comfortably, maintaining buoyancy, and staying aware in an underwater environment. The instructors also allow the beginner to experience a closely monitored dive under controlled, shallow-water conditions. The scuba diving experience:
- Builds confidence and opens up certification opportunities
- Illustrates that diving can be enjoyable and safe
- Encourages non-swimmers to take basic swimming lessons
Non-swimmers cannot be certified as PADI Open Water Divers. Many non-swimmers use the open water certification as an incentive to learn how to swim after experiencing scuba diving through a Discover Scuba Diving program.
Benefits of Learning to Swim Before Diving
A lifetime of diving enjoyment starts with the PADI Open Water Diver Course. This basic certification course allows you to join a scuba diving trip or rent air tanks from any dive shop around the world. It’s also the gateway to more advanced diving courses. There are three requirements of the Open Water Diver Course which require the ability to swim.
- The first is a swimming test, which involves swimming 200 meters without help or support from any flotation device or 300 meters using a mask, snorkel and fins.
- The second test requires demonstrating that you can comfortably maintain yourself in water too deep to stand for 10 minutes. You can do this by treading water or floating on your back.
- The last test involves basic snorkeling skills, such as clearing your mask while treading water, and other exercises designed to assess your comfort level in the water.
Tips for Non-Swimmers Interested in Diving
If you experience a Discover Scuba Diving program, learn the basics of swimming and want to join an Open Water Diver Course, congratulations! You should have a basic idea of what to expect in scuba diving, and your classmates will be just as nervous and excited as you.
- Pick a reputable dive center with certified instructors. The quality of the instructor’s communication matters when learning about nitrogen tables and other crucial aspects of diving.
- Communicate openly about your comfort level. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t understand something. It’s better to have a thorough understanding of all the aspects of diving.
Discover Giant Stride
If you’re a non-swimmer and need any extra incentive to learn the basic swimming skills that will enable you to scuba dive, explore the Giant Stride website. The Giant Stride website is a one-stop destination that explores the world of scuba diving opportunities in Thailand.
We offer detailed listings and reviews of all the dive courses, day boat dive trips and liveaboards operating within Thailand. You can also book a dive course or dive trip with your choice of company directly through the Giant Stride website.
Whether you’re a curious first-timer or planning your next dive holiday, Giant Stride offers safe, secure, and easy booking with deals tailored to every experience level. Book a dive course or your next dive trip through Giant Stride.
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