I also scuba dive, and flippers are a necessity in that circumstance. There is a MASSIVE difference in propulsion with flippers. Since you can encounter currents in open water scuba diving, they're a lifesaver. (Scuba is super cool too, btw. But that's like... super advanced swimming. Baby steps.)
Also, arm strength. I actually think most of my propulsion when swimming comes from my arms, not my legs (I'm not saying this is the most efficient... it's just what I do... I never said I was a PERFECT swimmer, lol). Hold your fingers together in like a shallow "cup" shape, push front to back, then either lift them out of the water back to the front OR do what I do when I breast stroke and just point your fingers forward and push them through the water back in front of you in as "waterdynamic" a shape as you can figure out. And then reform the cup with your fingers/hands and push yourself through the water again.
I've met more than one scuba diver who were weak swimmers but avid divers. To your previous point, flippers turn a weak swimmer into > an olympian.
Found the programmer :)
I did some googling and found these fins designed specifically for pool lap swimming: https://myswimpro.com/blog/2018/03/01/8-benefits-of-swimming...
They're smaller than your traditional "scuba" style fins but probably still WAY more effective than your feet alone.
They look fun! Wow, now I want to swim again. So fun. lol
Experiment! Google! Have fun! Ignore haters! Let go of your negative experiences!
Like most other sports there is a body type that is advantaged in swimming.
- Tall overall height (max speed is limited by length at water line just like boats)
- Lower than usual ratio for torso length to leg length
- Large feet
- Long arms (positive ape index)
- Large hands
Michael Phelps is a perfect example of this.