Scuba diving: questions and Band 8 answers

No, I haven't actually had the chance yet. The closest I've come is snorkelling during a family holiday to Greece a couple of years back. I really loved observing the colourful fish near the surface, so going deeper with proper breathing gear is definitely on my bucket list.

Yes, absolutely. I’d love to get certified one day because exploring a coral reef up close sounds incredible. A mate of mine went diving off the coast of Thailand last winter and showed me some stunning underwater footage, which really made me want to give it a go.

To be honest, I lean towards swimming in the ocean. Public pools can get terribly crowded and the smell of chlorine puts me off a bit. In contrast, open water feels far more refreshing, and I usually swim in the sea whenever I visit the coast in summer.

I suppose it comes down to a fear of the unknown. Being surrounded by vast amounts of water and relying completely on specialised equipment can feel quite claustrophobic. Plus, popular films about dangerous marine creatures like sharks certainly don't help ease people's anxieties.

Well, we have a few coastal spots in the south-west known for dramatic shipwrecks and kelp forests. I know lots of diving enthusiasts head down to Cornwall in the summer months because the water visibility is usually at its best then.