While scuba diving offers a window into a world less explored, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it isn’t a recreational activity suitable for everybody, least of all, children. However, provided it’s carried out under the supervision of a certified diving instructor, all of the right equipment is used, and all appropriate safety measures have been taken, scuba diving can be a fun and safe activity for people of all ages.
If your kids have been begging you to allow them to try scuba diving with a Sussex Diver, but you’re worried about how safe it will be and how much they’ll enjoy it, here are some useful hints to help you make it a fulfilling, and above all else, safe, activity for them to enjoy:
Make sure you have the right equipment
While having the proper diving gear is essential for everyone, it’s particularly important for children, and you should take your own steps to ensure that the diving school you’ve signed up to, has equipment that will fit your child appropriately. You may find that for an open water diving course, a good quality junior snorkelling mask might be suitable, but your instructor can advise you.
If you don’t already have a mask, it might be wise to get one before the beginning of the course, otherwise you can hire one.
Take your time and don’t rush them
Diving is all about fun for younger children, and the minute you start pushing your children into doing something they’re not comfortable with, they’ll likely become more fearful and not want to do it at all. So, if your child is a little nervous, make sure you choose an instructor who is experienced at working with younger divers; while you can teach them yourself if you’re already certified, it’s sometimes better to have an outside instructor teach them, as this often elicits a greater degree of concentration and attentiveness from your child.
If your child is terrified of the open water, consider letting them get used to the depths of water in a pool before they start formal lessons, and as their confidence grows, you can slowly introduce them to bigger expanses of water.
Try and maintain their interest
It’s not enough to simply let your child dive once, and then pick it up again a few months later – unless they didn’t enjoy it and don’t want to do it again. If they’re enjoying it, however, try and maintain their level of interest and encourage them to dive on a regular basis, but always under the right supervision, of course.
Place an emphasis on safety
When kids are better informed and educated about how to stay safe while diving, it can give them the confidence to enjoy it that bit more. By encouraging safe practises, such as proper techniques for ascending and descending, and proper hand signals, they can develop good and safe habits from the outset, that they can carry with them as they progress.
Ensure your child is comfortable
There’s nothing worse than an ill-fitting wetsuit or equipment to make a child feel uncomfortable, and it can even cause them an unnecessary distraction that could prove dangerous while they’re diving.
Scuba diving can be a wonderfully exciting and educational activity for little ones, and provided you sign them up for the relevant professional childrens diving courses, and heed the guidance above, there’s every chance your kids will learn to love diving and be keen to pursue it into adulthood.
