KOMPRESSOR
Contributor
MoonWrasse:200 yards or meters is only about 8 laps in a 25 yard/meter pool. It seems to me that if you can't do this untimed without stopping at the edge, you're not ready for open water activities, and might have difficulty not panicking in open water when there's nothing to hang onto.
First become comfortable just hanging out in water for extended periods of time, then try scuba.
I do very much agree with this. But for those who want to dive but cannot swim, swimming is great training for your physical and mental health, so go at it and look up your local public pool and start one lap at the time. In a VERY short time most people will advance more than they would ever think, and this makes both your mind and your heart feel great!
Then later, see you in the diving boat!
Sincerely,
Reidar (Former national competition swimmer)