If you’re an avid scuba diver and have kids, chances are pretty good you’re going to want to teach them how to breathe underwater too. There are a few certification agencies that offer instruction for kids as young as 8, including PADI, NAUI, and SSI. Let’s take a look at how to get your kids 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 kid’s needs may be in relation to 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 small percentage of humans get to see. YouTube videos, like those from Bubble Vision, offer an incredible view of marine life that is sure to scintillate any young explorer.
Do Some Research
Go online and search for “kids scuba diving programs (+ your area)” to see if there is a local dive shop offering instruction for kids. The certifications offered 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 kid doesn’t already have an inclination toward scuba diving, let them start with the tryout options first. Most of these are conducted in a pool, which provides a safe, familiar environment to take on a challenge as monumental to a kid as breathing underwater. A lot of kids are emboldened by having a buddy, so see if one of your kid’s friends might be interested in taking the class too.
Be Supportive
Whether they choose to go further than their introductory class, be supportive of their decision, and be supportive of their efforts. If it’s something junior doesn’t want at age 8, it doesn’t mean their interested won’t be sparked again as they mature. Let them know you’ll always be there for them if they ever decide to take it up.
Should they choose to go forward, listen to everything they have to tell you after their classes. They will likely have many questions and concerns that they didn’t think of in class or didn’t want to ask in front of anyone else. Praise their efforts and let them know they’re only going to improve as they go on. While the skills certainly get more challenging, they will get better and faster at learning them because of the skills they’ve already learned and practiced.
Getting your kids started in scuba diving can be incredibly easy, depending on where you live. In a world where our oceans are in peril, we need ambassadors of the sea now more than ever. See if scuba diving is right for your kid and blow some bubbles together!
