Scuba Diving is Only for the Young and Fit
Scuba diving is accessible to a wide range of ages. People as young as 10 years old can become certified, and many divers continue enjoying the sport well into their 60s, 70s, or even older. I didn't even start diving until I turned 50. While age may bring some physical limitations, many older divers remain active by adjusting their dive profiles and expectations. While good health is important, you don’t need to be an athlete to scuba dive. Basic swimming skills and comfort in the water are necessary, but the sport is more about relaxation and being in control of your equipment and your body.Divers of any age or fitness level should get a medical check-up before diving, especially if they have any pre-existing health conditions. Some conditions may require special considerations or adaptations, but many people can dive safely with proper precautions.
Diving offers psychological benefits like stress relief and a sense of tranquility, which can be particularly appealing to older adults or those looking for a low-impact activity that promotes mental well-being. Lastly, the diving community is known for being inclusive and supportive, offering opportunities for everyone, from young beginners to older or less fit individuals, to learn and enjoy the sport.
You Have to be a Strong Swimmer to Dive
You don't have to be an exceptionally strong swimmer to learn scuba diving, but basic swimming skills are necessary. Most scuba certification courses require you to demonstrate basic swimming competency. Typically, this involves swimming 200 yards (4 lengths of a standard high school pool) without stopping. The swim can be done at your own pace and in any style. Additionally, you may need to tread water or float for 10 minutes.The primary reason for these requirements is to ensure that you are comfortable in the water. Being relaxed and confident in the water is crucial for safety and enjoyment while diving. Additionally, being able to swim allows you to handle situations where you may need to navigate to safety without your scuba gear, such as during surface swims or if you need to return to a boat or shore. Scuba diving itself is different from regular swimming. When diving, you rely more on your fins for propulsion and your buoyancy control device (BCD) and breathing to remain at a specific depth. You don't need to be a strong swimmer in the traditional sense, but you do need to be comfortable moving in the water.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, most dive schools offer basic swimming lessons or practice sessions to help you build confidence. Your instructor can provide extra support and guidance to ensure you meet the necessary swimming skills.
Sharks are a Major Threat to Divers
In fact, shark attacks on scuba divers are extremely rare. The majority of shark incidents involve swimmers and surfers rather than divers. The chances of being attacked by a shark while diving are extremely low—sharks are responsible for a very small number of unprovoked attacks each year. The likelihood of encountering a shark, let alone being attacked by one, is much lower than many other risks associated with outdoor activities.Sharks are generally curious animals. When they approach divers, it’s usually out of curiosity rather than aggression. Most species are more likely to swim away than to attack. Additionally, sharks do not typically view humans as prey. Most shark species feed on fish and marine mammals, and they are more likely to avoid humans than to attack them.
Many divers actively seek out sharks during their dives, as encountering these magnificent creatures is considered a highlight. Particularly in the Pacific Islands like Fiji, shark diving is a popular form of ecotourism. Divers can safely observe sharks in their natural habitats, often under the guidance of experienced dive operators. There are some potentially ethical perspectives you may want to consider before you go shark diving as bait is often used, however the general consensus is that the benefit (conservation and awareness) far out weight any detrimental aspects of shark diving.Scuba Diving is Extremely Dangerous
Scuba diving, like any adventure sport, carries inherent risks, but it is generally safe when proper training, equipment, and safety practices are followed. According to the Divers Alert Network (DAN), the fatality rate for divers is low, estimated at 1-2 deaths per 100,000 dives, which is comparable to other recreational activities like swimming or hiking. Most diving incidents are preventable and result from either inadequate preparation, ignoring safety protocols, or diving beyond one's training level.You Can Get the Bends from Any Dive
In theory, yes. However, it is extremely rare for recreational divers within recreational limits that follow the recommended decompression / safety stop protocols for any effects of "the bends" to be severe. Why one diver will get "the bends" and not another is still not well known and there is limited science being undertaken right now to study it. On occasion there are divers who get an "undeserved hit" of the bends so diving is not without some inherent risks.I personally have DAN dive insurance and you should too.
Scuba Diving is Expensive
I've already covered this topic in detail. It is not...when you compare it to other equipment heavy activities like golf. It is certainly more expensive than riding a bike or reading a book.You Can Only Dive in Tropical Waters
Not true and I'm living proof. You may PREFER to only dive in Tropical warm waters...and that would totally make sense. Everyone has a different tolerance for cold so you could be very different than me. I've worn a 7mm wetsuit down to 54F and enjoyed myself. It isn't my preferred temperature...but it isn't painful. If you plan to dive in Chicagoland during the spring and fall, you'll probably want to eventually invest in a drysuit. But there is nothing wrong with only diving on vacation to warm destinations.You Can't Dive If You Wear Glasses
You absolutely can! There are several manufacturers of prescription dive masks. They will certainly cost more than one you buy off the shelf, however it is totally doable. Many can even do complex prescriptions that need transitions so you can see the shark in the distance as well as the dive computer on your wrist.
* Wreck Diving near Chicago in Lake Michigan with Richard Tessell