Scuba Diver: "I Can't Swim" | Taking non swimmers Scuba Diving for the 1st time

The incredible story of the time we took two non-swimmers scuba diving for the first time on the outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef.
This was possibly one of my favourite all time dives, and not for the usual reasons. Their happiness was seriously infectious!
Do I have to know how to swim to try scuba diving?
In short, no you don't have to know how to swim to try scuba diving. You can try diving through an introductory scuba dive or a "PADI Discover Scuba Dive" even if you are not able to swim. This presents an incredible opportunity for non swimmers where they'll not only get to discover the underwater world for the first time, but also in many cases the art of swimming... from beneath the surface!
If you enjoyed the first episode of 'Tales from the Deep' let me know! There's plenty more stories to tell!
For more visit my website: www.tomparkphotography.com
& check out my Instagram tomsunderwaterphotography
Camera Gear Used:
- Sony A7III
- Atomos Ninja V
- Sony 16-35mm f4
- Sigma 24-70 f2.8 Art
- Sony 50mm f1.8
- Sony 18-105mm G F4
- Sigma 35mm F1.4
- Sea&Sea Underwater Housing and Domes
- OrcaTorch D950v and D910v Video Lights
- Zhiyun Weebill S Gimbal
- DJI Mavic Drone

[@gracedcosta4199]

Im a non-swimmer who is very much interested in scuba diving and this video just gave me so much hope! Thank you so much

[@jake2.037]

I am not a swimmer myself when I started scuba, I tried conquering that fear of the deep ocean, even in the pool. its a shame. I started the training and got my self certified. Its awesome to experience the world down there in the ocean, so majestic. I started to scuba in my 40's. I don't know if I can swim now, hahahaha. but, damn, am not afraid of it anymore.

[@TomPark]

Should probably mention, that all paperwork was filled out correctly - but introducing paperwork to a story is a recipe for a bad story :p

[@Zahra-tz4ob]

It's so strange, I'm so fascinated with the oceans and my dream is to become a marine biologist and go scuba diving, but at the same tims I'm absolutely terrified of the water.

[@Wojtkacy]

I am a mediocre swimmer, I can use only "frog" style above the surface and I'm not certain if I do it correctly. However I'm a OWD scuba diver, I use a wing BCD with a twinset cylinder setup, I usually dive in a trillaminate drysuit with dry gloves and jet fins and I love it, water temperature or visibility isn't a problem unless there is ice in winter (the only season I make a break from scuba diving). Also the frog kick, weak for usual swimming, is on the other hand great for scuba diving, especially with dry suit. Cheers from Poland to all drivers and people who wanna try scuba!

[@graemedyer3269]

Unfortunately once you decide you want to do course you have to pass basic swimming test before Scuba Diving course :)

[@tkeyahpitts9138]

Thanks to your video I’m confident in booking the excursion to scuba dive as a non swimmer. Well I’m like beginner but I can do basic swimming moves. This video was really helpful, empowering, encouraging, and detailed. Thank you 🙏🏾🥹

[@kbrown3787]

Awesome story, and you’re an awesome storyteller. I was in the same position, maybe not as relaxed as these women. Now I go out into the ocean with only a mask, snorkel and fins…but I still consider myself a non-swimmer 😂

[@ladyseeker2927]

I'm not non swimmer, curious about diving but also terrified of water. I think I will never get to try it.

[@alcopwn454]

No you do need to know how to swim. 200 m or 300m snorkeling. It's a standard on all agencies

[@MuhammadAli-zg2nw]

man I love the way you are so calm, I guess ocean has taught you this.

[@TritonsRealm]

"Trust your instructor and take the plunge". (

[@partps25]

I don't know swimming, I have done this introductory dive twice in my life.... All I have to say is it is about TRUSTING the dive master. I wish someday I can go for an Open Water course, but don't know if that is possible without swimming skills. Btw, thanks to all the dive masters who are helping us to broaden our outlook about ocean. And make us realise how important it is to conserve the treasures under the water.

[@sophiebuckle2627]

I’ve been really doubting myself for my Maldives trip that’s in 1 week, because I’m not a confident swimmer. This video has given me so much hope. Thank you!

[@deebond4745]

I loved this@ Tom Parker! Great story made me smile! Awesome!

[@johnpark8949]

Lovely feel good story. Please keep them coming

[@HuntmasterSpearfishing]

This is amazing, what a story!

[@mariapachuau6748]

Thank you for sharing!! ♥️♥️ Now you gave me more confidence! We are going to Maldives for our anniversary and we are planning to do scuba diving there! Wish us luck 🍀 😊

[@jimmycarthy7431]

This is so cool love the story!

[@alphaalignment]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS STORY. 💧🙏