Ally

Which is the safest place to learn as a beginner...in the local swimming pool or out in the sea or lake?

MgicTwnger

All open water courses that I am aware of require both pool and "open water" sessions: the skills are taught and practiced in the pool, then put to the test in "open water", such as a lake, quarry, or even the ocean.

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I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

Scuba Mama

Let me help clear this one up. As long as it has pool like condition, clarity, size, clam, correct depth you may use the facility to teach at. Most of us teaching a full course will teach using a pool, then switch over to a quarry to finish training. In our area, Chicago Lake Michigan is not even considered until the diver is fully certified.