For millions of Americans, diving offers the chance to get away from everyday life and enter a world of stunning natural beauty and fascinating complexity. And getting started is a breeze! Anyone can learn to dive safely and explore the world's wondrous oceans – all it takes is a little training and basic equipment.<p><i>Scuba Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies</i> presents all the fundamentals for anyone interested in getting dive certified or just looking for good snorkeling while on vacation. Written by PADI-Certified diver John Newman, this friendly guide covers everything you need to know to:<ul><li>Get certified<li>Plan a great diving trip<li>Save money on equipment<li>Dive or snorkel safely</ul><p>This user-friendly guide starts by helping you evaluate your underwater skills and walking you step by step through a typical certification program. Once you're certified, it helps you pick a dive site, purchase and set up your equipment, and take care of any fears you might have. Then you'll discover what to expect on your first dive – from which creatures are dangerous to how to protect fragile sea life. <i>Scuba  Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies</i> also covers these topics and more:<ul><li>Free diving<li>Special breathing techniques<li>Emergency procedures<li>How to avoid the bends<li>Handling dive anxiety<li>The physics and chemistry of diving<li>Staying healthy on dive trips<li>Ocean ecosystems<li>Rip tides and tidal waves<li>Ten great dive destinations</ul><p>In addition to beautiful full-color photography and all the information you need to plan a dive trip, the book also includes a handy appendix of dive organizations and publications, as well as a CD-ROM sampler from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Whether you're a novice diver or an old hand, <i>Scuba Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies</i> is perfect for anyone who wants to see the beauty of the ocean from a fish's point of view.<p><b>Note:</b> CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.