mini tanks

Question
dear jesse,

im not looking to get into scuba. i merely enjoy swimming in the shallows off the beach where i live. in order to stay underwater longer, i was wondering about investing in a mini O2 tank - the personal tanks that you see in the movies. Im sure you know the ones I mean...the compacted versions of the larger tanks. Its probably obvious that I know nothing abut scuba by now, but anyway - onto the question.
What is a good brand for one of these mini tanks? How much would they cost? How long would I have underwater using one of them? If you could offer help with these questions and anything else in the total novice thread - thank you!!

All the best
Laurie

Answer
Hello Laurie.  Thanks for your question.  I understand your desire to enjoy the longer underwater swim.  To do this however, you are actually needing to 'get into scuba'.  Breathing compressed air underwater requires some training and the proper equipment to ensure your safety and maximize your fun.  Breathing pure oxygen underwater from any kind of tank requires an advanced level of training in scuba.  Please be sure not to breath pure oxygen underwater without training.  Pure O2 in as little as 20 feet of water could cause you to have a seizure and pass out.  The end result of that would not be good.

I'd like to suggest an alternative for you.  Both PADI and SSI (and other scuba training agencies) offer courses that allow you to try out scuba (in a pool or shallow water) just to see if you like it.  Other courses give you enough skill to be on scuba in limited ways that may fit your needs.  You may even find you like it enough to get certified.  You don't have to purchase gear since you could rent what you need from a dive shop.

Please consider a visit to a local dive shop and discuss your special diving requirements and see what they can offer you.

I know I did not answer you specific question about the tanks.  I feel that I could be leading you into a harmful situation with any use of mini O2 tanks under water.  

Good luck and I hope you might consider scuba diving is for you. Jesse