If you’re an avid scuba diver and have children, chances are pretty good you’ll want to teach them how to breathe underwater, too. There are a few certification agencies that offer instruction for a child as young as 8, including PADI, NAUI, and SSI. Let’s look at how to get your child started in scuba diving today!
Chat with Your Child
When your child expresses an interest in scuba diving, ask them all the questions you would ask an adult about why they want to dive. Is it to see marine life or help with underwater cleanups and ocean conservation? There are no wrong answers to these questions. It’ll just give you a better idea of what your child’s needs may be about their interests.
If your child hasn’t expressed an interest but it’s something you’d like them to try, tell them all the wonderful things about scuba diving and why you started. Let them know that it can teach them how to stay calm when a situation is scary and see a vast part of the planet that only a tiny percentage of humans get to see. Like those from Bubble Vision, YouTube videos offer an incredible view of marine life that will scintillate any young explorer.
Do Some Research
Go online and search for “children scuba diving programs (+ your area)” to see if a local dive shop offers instruction for youngsters. The certifications provided by the agencies are:
- PADI: Bubblemaker, SEAL Team, Junior Scuba Diver
- NAUI: Try Scuba/Passport Diver, Junior Skin Diver, Junior Scuba Diver, Junior Advanced Scuba Diver
- SSI: Try Scuba Diving, Scuba Rangers, Junior Scuba Program
If your child is not interested in scuba diving, consider starting with introductory sessions. Most of these occur in a pool, offering a safe and familiar environment for them to face the significant challenge of breathing underwater. Many children feel more confident when they have a buddy, so you might want to see if one of your child’s friends would also like to join the class.
Be Supportive
Whether your child decides to continue beyond their introductory class or not, supporting their choices and efforts is essential. Just because they may not be interested at age eight doesn’t mean their interest won’t be rekindled as they grow older. Let them know you’ll always be there for them if they decide to take it up again.
If they choose to pursue scuba diving, listen to everything they have to share after their classes. They may have many questions or concerns they didn’t think of during class or may have felt hesitant to ask in front of others. Praise their efforts and remind them that they’ll continue improving. While the skills may become more challenging, the abilities they’ve already acquired will help them learn more quickly and effectively.
Getting your children started in scuba diving can be pretty straightforward, depending on where you live. In a time when our oceans are in danger, we need ambassadors for the sea now more than ever. Explore if scuba diving is right for your child, and enjoy the experience of blowing bubbles together!
