What
is it?
Underwater swimming is a recreational pursuit that allows those who have received
appropriate training to explore the underwater world, whether in fresh water
lakes or coastal waters. Snorkelling and scuba diving abilities can be used
to study all aspects of marine life, to explore shipwrecks, or simply to enjoy
the unique experience of a totally different environment.
Safety
Message
For humans, water is an alien environment - but it offers a fascinating and
exciting challenge for those willing to learn how to use diving apparatus
in order to safely explore it. Reliance on diving equipment is total, so its
use has to become reflexive. All aspects of safety are emphasised throughout
training - both the dangers and the means of avoiding them are explained,
practised and developed. The student only advances to open water diving and
higher qualifications when they have demonstrated mastery of the necessary
knowledge and skills at each qualification level.
Ideas/Aims
Through this activity you may explore one or more of the following areas:
• Snorkelling, (employing just a face mask,
snorkel tube and fins, is the simplest and least expensive way to start, but
the breath holding snorkeller can only remain underwater for a few seconds
at a time.)
• Snorkel Diver (training is available to
anyone aged 8 years upwards). A typical course of Snorkel Diver training takes
5-6 hours.
• Scuba training (is available to those of
12 years and above, but does require a medical certificate of fitness before
training begins. Certain medical conditions may mean it is unsafe to take
up this sport - ask BSAC HQ for information).
A typical basic course of Scuba Diver training involves theory lessons, practical
lessons in the pool, and a number of open water dives. The course will take
about 12 hours plus 2-3 days for the dives.
The aqualung or scuba diver carries his or her own air supply so can remain
underwater for longer periods. The diver breathes compressed air, not pure
oxygen.
• You can learn to snorkel or scuba dive
as a member of a local diving club or as a holiday activity at a diving school.
• Aim for an award or a standard as set by
the relevant national governing body.
Review/Assessment
Parental or guardian approval is needed for those under 18 years of age before
they start diving. Prospective trainees should be able to demonstrate both
medical fitness and an appreciation and awareness of the potential dangers.
Progress should be reviewed against the participant's targets and aims.
Governing
Body/Organisation
The British Sub Aqua Club is the 'Sport England' acknowledged governing body
for underwater swimming in the UK and has some 1400 Branches and 180 Recognised
Schools. It is the largest diving club in the world, and its progressive range
of diving qualifications is internationally widely recognised. Full information
about learning to dive and diving with BSAC is available from:
British
Sub Aqua Club, Telford's Quay, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire,
CH65 4FL
Tel: 0151 350 6200, Fax: 0151 350 6215,
E-mail: technical@bsac.com
web site: www.bsac.com
PADI
International Ltd, Unit 7, St. Philips Central, Albert Road, St Philips, Bristol,
BS2 0PD
Tel: 0117 300 7234, Fax: 0117 971 0400
web site: www.padi.com
Sub-Aqua
Association, Head Office, Northern House, 43-45 Pembroke Place, Liverpool,
L3 5PA
Tel: 0151 707 0111, Fax: 0151 707 0111
