Introduction to Skin Diving

TECHNICALLY, the term skin diving refers to subsurface swimming in which a face mask is used for clear vision and swim fins or flippers for propulsion. The “snorkel” or breathing tube is an optional piece of equipment. The snorkel usually has an automatic shutoff valve, providing the surface floater or diver with a means of breathing without having to turn his head. Some skin divers also use a “weight belt.” This is a standard 2-inch belt fitted with a quick-release buckle to which lead weights are affixed to provide negative buoyancy under water.

In the past few years skin diving has become one of the most widely publicized water activities. Manufacturers have been offering many types of diving equipment, and practically every sporting goods store features it in windows and interior displays. At the same time, popular magazines have been carrying exciting articles about the thrills of underwater exploration. The resultant boom in the sale of skin-diving equipment has had its grim side. As is the case in any sport that possesses a degree of danger, the untrained and the physically unfit who participate are risking injury and even death, and the use of this equipment by very young children is especially hazardous, despite the fact that many toy counters carry skin-diving equipment in sizes to fit the smallest child.

In some areas legislation has been adopted prohibiting the use of various kinds of skin-diving equipment. Silver Springs, Florida, for example has a blanket prohibition against skin diving except for sanctioned exhibitions, and many beach areas have set aside skin-diving areas or have forbidden the sport. There have also been many reports of accidents where children have been using the equipment in the family pool without adult supervision. The Y.M.C.A. and the Boy Scouts of America have been concerned with the problem of the unskilled and unfit skin diver.

General physical fitness is required for skin diving. No one with any unfavorable condition of eyes, ear, nose or throat should undertake it. A perfect respiratory system, clear nasal passages and Eustachian tube with no sinusitis, ear infection, or eardrum imperfection are the basic requirements, because of the water pressure when diving or swimming under water. Earplugs should not be used to compensate for any ear condition, since they may interfere with the adjustment of pressure and prevent the normal functioning of the eardrum as an alarm signal which indicates the lack of adjustment to pressure.

As to necessary swimming skills, the following water ability (without the use of fins, mask or snorkel) is suggested by the Young Men’s Christian Association as the minimum for anyone contemplating skin diving:

1. Tread water (no hands) for 3 minutes
2. In continuous movement swim 300 yards
3. Tow an inert swimmer 40 yards
4. Float motionless 10 minutes
5. Swim 50 feet under water without push-off

Tags: water sports

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