Delving into the World of Diving with Your Children - Part II
Posted By Mike Thomas on 21 April 2004
Class – Day 3 into the Pool
Flush with the victory of having passed our exams the Tara, Chris, and I were excited at the prospect of getting into the pool. Our instructor didn’t waist time. We were handed our equipment and after trying it on we were ready to go. As the pool was several miles away, we loaded our gear our cars and caravanned it to the pool.
After unloading the equipment the instructor indicated that the first thing we had to do was pass an endurance swimming and treading water test. We could either swim 5 times around the pool without our mask, snorkel and fins or swim 10 times around the pool with our mask, snorkel and fins. We were further admonished that if we used our masks, snorkel and fins we could not raise our heads out of the water and either way we could not stop or touch the bottom or sides of the pool.
My children and I agreed that we would swim 5 times around the pool without using our masks, snorkels and fins. Into the water we went and started swimming. I had told my children that they should take it easy and not exert a lot of energy, “just take it nice and slow” I told them. It wasn’t long before my children lapped me more than once. By the time I was on my 3rd lap, Tara and Chris were sitting on the pool entry steps urging me on. With much relief I rounded the last corner and complete the swimming portion of the endurance test.
We had to tread water for 10 minutes. Tara and Chris lapped me in the swimming part, but I showed them a thing or two with the treading water test. They were moving a lot while treading water. I noticed they were getting tired. I showed them how to use their arms in long sweeping motions and proper breath control to reduce the amount of energy needed to tread water. Once Tara and Chris settled down we made it through the treading test.
TIP: Take your time when doing the treading water and endurance swimming test. If possible practice treading water prior to beginning your open water training.
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