When performing the swim test, are you allow to wear swim goggles?
I think the PADI standards say "without any swim aids". I would personally consider goggles to be a swim aid.
Phil Ellis
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When performing the swim test, are you allow to wear swim goggles?
I would not consider them a "swim aid." A lot of folks' eyes are rather sensitive to chlorine. I'd need to know that the candidate is, however, comfortable opening his or her eyes underwater, but using goggles for the swim is fine with me.I think the PADI standards say "without any swim aids". I would personally consider goggles to be a swim aid.
Phil Ellis
I'm with Thal on this one, swim goggles are a necessity in chlorinated pools...I think the PADI standards say "without any swim aids". I would personally consider goggles to be a swim aid.
Lots o' good feedback on this thread. As a "non-swimming diver" I will add my 2 cents.
I (claim i) understand completely how the scuba apparatus functions and have total confidence in my ability to utlilize my equipment to prevent myself from drowning. It is a life support system. I understand, utilize and trust it.
I am an extremely calm (almost comatose?) diver. Once I took that first breath underwater (which was oh so wrong!) I followed my instructor's teachings and learned to relax and become one with the water. He continually stressed the importance of understanding what/why you were doing and the need to relax and not stress out.
20 years later I still can not swim. And I DO NOT snorkel! The only time I go in the water (pool, lake, river, ocean) I have my scuba gear strapped on. I am happy. I am confident. I am relaxed.
So swimming ability is not a major factor. Calmness & (appropriate) confidence in your skills is more important.
80% of "Blacks" sink while 90% of "Whites" Float! Just a fact to consider in training and deal with as needed!