You don’t need to be a strong swimmer or an athlete to scuba dive, but some degree of comfort in the water certainly helps.

The PADI swim test or swim evaluation will be conducted at the pool. Divers will demonstrate that they can comfortably maintain themselves in water too deep in which to stand by completing a 10-minute swim/ float without using any swim aids. Candidates will also complete a 200 metre/yard continuous surface swim or a 300 metre/ yard swim with mask, fins and snorkel.

The test is pass or fail but can be retaken at the next available pool class – the first retake is free of charge.