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

[@paulthesquid3595]

Grace D Costa Well it is advisable that you learn to swim there i think in all honesty i would not go sky diving with a paracute full of holes or get in the ring with a boxer if i carn't box not advisable is it .

[@alcopwn454]

Learn to swim mate the dive master won't be there when trouble calls

[@gill2837]

Isn't it a lovely story Grace. Go for it! It will give you the confidence to swim!

[@TritonsRealm]

"Trust your instructor and take the plunge". (4:21) Best advice ever!

[@TomPark]

Cheers! We actually had loads of people who can’t swim come and try diving with us and honestly most of the time they are really chilled out and good! It’s all about trusting the instructor ;)

[@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.

[@MuhammadAli-zg2nw]

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

[@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.

[@alphaalignment]

❤❤❤✨

[@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!

[@deebond4745]

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

[@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. Thank you.

[@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!

[@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 🙏🏾🥹

[@alphaalignment]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS STORY. 💧🙏

[@johnpark8949]

Lovely feel good story. Please keep them coming

[@TomPark]

Was a wild dive for very different reasons!

[@arthurgrech5049]

I also can't swim, but I have never been frightened of the ocean, I have had fishing boats since I was a teenager, and I even learned how to water ski on the Swan Bay River in Western Australia, but I had to make sure that my ski jacket was nice and tight and couldn't come off I slowly walked into the river up to my neck to make sure the jacket can't come off, I loved it and went water skiing many times after that. I also have wanted to scuba dive, my fear is being taken by a shark more than scuba diving. Watching your video has definitely made me more determined to do it. Thank you so much

[@HuntmasterSpearfishing]

This is amazing, what a story!

[@TomPark]

Cheers guys glad you enjoyed!

[@aa-vr8li]

This video is so well put together, we'll done man, me my wife and our 8 years old can swim a little bit and I wanted to book a dive in mallorca and now I am sure I do it

[@habib9817]

Thank you for this video! now i want to do it!

[@jimmycarthy7431]

This is so cool love the story!

[@TomPark]

Thank you mate appreciate it 🙌🏻

[@susanpark494]

Nice story. So good to see people enjoying the beauty of our underwater world

[@TomPark]

Especially on their first time swimming! It’s unreal! 🙌🏻

[@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 🍀 😊

[@jacktrembloc9660]

It's been a month since this comment was posted but I thought I would give some input. I have about 50 dives under my belt, and the Maldives is by far my favorite dive spot. The water is crystal clear and the people are very nice. If you have already gone, then I hope you had a great time. If you haven't yet then I know you will have a great time. Also, happy anniversary!

[@Alwayssjuicy]

Cant wait to go scuba diving 🥹

[@hibahemani8076]

How inspiring! 😊

[@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 😂

[@alphaalignment]

You mean you do this by yourself n on ur own now ? @kbrown3787

[@kbrown3787]

@@alphaalignment not scuba but yes I jump into the ocean with some fins and check out the marine life on my own.

[@topskill9065]

This is amazing

[@ladyseeker2927]

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

[@ctsee]

What a story! Amazing

[@TomPark]

Cheers Chester! Appreciate it mate

[@SeeShots]

@@TomPark this is my channel. Had no idea you did KZbin. I need to pick it up more this year

[@TomPark]

Oh dude I didn’t realise this was you! Heading over now :p

[@Oosjhteuikmm]

I doubt I will ever have a chance to dive, but it was interesting to just listen.

[@TomPark]

Really glad you enjoyed the listen! Hope one day you get a chance to give it a try!

[@Alikhan78611]

When I see the deep sea driving with gorgeous reefs and fish, I just want to go there but I can't even swim lol 😆

[@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

[@closerangexnoob7062]

Yes I don't know how to swim but I will try once scuba diving

[@akonaustralia4679]

Oh yeah this is helpful tips

[@yogainthewind]

We want to hear more stories! This one is so inspiring :))

[@TomPark]

Glad you enjoyed it Roxane!

[@veevee7555]

Thanks sir

[@scaramouchse]

i am a mediocore swimmer, i can only use the frog thing. but i want to learn how to scuba diving since i want to see how beutifull the underwater is and is my dream to see the underwater when i was a still around 11y/o :D

[@JERRYTV24]

I'm non-swimmer guy, but in April in Ciechanów, Poland I try to doing HSA scuba diving pool course. Hope that I'll be calm underwater... any tips for me?

[@JoltonBrothers]

Not gonna lie... the way you started I was waiting for this to end up real bad. Glad it didnt!!!

[@TomPark]

Haha this sorta thing happened pretty regularly to be honest, this was just one of those moments the crew never forgot! - also mad fan of your work, you guys sound like a mix between Fergie and Jesus

[@theweekendwarriorph]

Uhm, excuse me sir. What do I need to do to move permanently to QLD? I'm from NSW? :)) Nice story!

[@DanielVazquez]

Where is this diving school?

[@miko7183]

I can only swim frog style but don't know how to breath properly. I have gone snorkeling twice and now I am going for diving.

[@bjshm5336]

can i dive tooo i dont know how to swim and i really want too since this is my last few months on australia i'd love to do you guys have a package or some sort?

[@cagatinearlajeann1344]

This is really the question in my mind, if someone who can't swim can dive😂

[@itsmePassportBro]

how do you not know how to swim ?

[@steveng5370]

Where and how can i dive with this group?? Im from South Australia but when i visit NSW, non of my friends dive all that much so i would love to sign up with the group in the video

[@TomPark]

This group went through some troubles with covid and is unfortunately closed - it was cairns dive centre, but all dive operators on the Great Barrier Reef offer introductory scuba diving and it’s fantastic - highly recommend trying it!

[@steveng5370]

@@TomPark wow quick reply! Thanks for the info :)

[@lililabelle]

I am a swimmer and now i become a diver

[@Thick_Madame_Natz]

Say what you want. you dont know how terrified i am. i do wanna try it but my fear is crippling and i dont know how to control it. what if i dont know how to function with water in my eye or nose. i hate that feeling in the shower worst under water. i cant control my body thats why im scared to even learn to swim. hell what if i die,

[@Zahra-tz4ob]

Maybe you could try some therapy/hypnosis to overcome your fear of the water.

[@mizukigamer3517]

İm a good swimmer but i cant hold my breath in the water i tried any swimmimg equipments

[@graemedyer3269]

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

[@alcopwn454]

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

[@TomPark]

This is for the open water scuba diving course. Discovery scuba dives are different and neither padi or ssi have any swimming requirement.

[@pureamateur649]

I went diving and can't swim. I was doing aight until water got in my mask and I panicked. 😬

[@Brains-vb9yl]

That’s my fear 😧

[@grovertarver6717]

A204[I]

[@mickeylynch420]

got to be a terrible instructor if you have them putting on their fins and not asked them about their previous experience

[@TomPark]

Come on man. Obviously there’s bucket loads of paperwork involved here. Discussing paperwork unfortunately doesn’t make a good story.