What type of swimming ability do believe an OW diver should have?

[Genesis]

I'm not convinced there is much correlation between swimming and scuba diving other than knowing how to properly swim. Most of the emergencies that I can think of that would arise from scuba diving that resulted in your being on the surface would require your being able to stay focused and possibly able to tread water for long periods of time, especially if for some reason your equipment was lost.

If your BC is holed and you have no buoyancy available in your kit, DITCH IT.

Guess what - if you have a wetsuit on, you're positive. MAJORLY positive. Like 10 lbs or so if you have a 3mil, and even more with a heavier one.

You ain't sinking even if you try under those conditions. Tread water? Why? Float on your back and enjoy the ride.

If your BC is still working (even if manually), put some gas in it and play "raft". Again, lay back and enjoy the ride.

Yeah, there are issues with being lost out there. Like dehydration, exposure, even sharks. But not floating - unless you're just plain stupid and keep your weight belt and the negative parts of your kit on - and if you're lost at sea, why would you?

Comfort in the water and a reasonable level of fitness is important to diving. Swimming, per-se, is not.

 

[Gilligan]

Genesis you have pretty much summed it up as respects swimming and scuba diving. I totally agree with your post.
Personally, my biggest concern about waiting to be rescued on the ocean, should that need ever arise, is my being "bait".

 

[mello-yellow]

I am only the second person to mark Choice 2 - "competitive swimming - speed and endurance". Actually, I do not believe speed is important, but endurance is. Sooner or later you will find yourself with a LONG surface swim - and with rather un-streamlined junk hanging off you. I do not think PADI minimum requirement of 200 meters is enough.

 

[drbill]

Although I've been diving 42 years, I wasn't certified until 1969 by LAC. We had a swim test and had to tread water for a defined time. I can't remember the specs on either, but if current agency requirements don't include a reasonable swim test and treading water it may explain the numerous OOB (out of breath) incidents I see in an easy dive site like the Casino Dive Park.

Dr. Bill

 

[zeN||]

I disagree-most of us divers will not be lost at sea, but we will be several hundred yards from shore when something may go wrong, which may or may not include ditching equipment , but a reasonable swim will get us out of the situation; this may be complicated by currents and/or waves rolling over our heads, which will demand more endurance. You may be able to float but you might have to swim to decide where you are going to float to zeN