Scuba diving can be a great option for family adventures or to teach children science and the environment. Scuba diving with kids is a wonderful way to bond as a family and to teach children the importance of responsible behavior. Children need to learn about self-discipline and abstract concepts as well as maturity. Children need to develop self-esteem and responsibility. This activity can be both empowering and captivating for children, but parents need to know this.
Safety concerns with scuba diving for children
Scuba diving is not recommended for children. Children younger than eight years old are at high risk for pulmonary barotrauma. These risks are not to be ignored. Parents should ensure that their children are properly trained before diving. You should also not allow your children to dive if you have any medical conditions. Divemasters should supervise any children who aren't able to dive by themselves.
The main risk factor for scuba diving for kids is the inexperience of the adults who supervise the activity. Children can have different mentalities than adults and are more susceptible to distractions than more experienced divers. This is why parents need to be careful and pair their child (or adult) with an experienced diver. An experienced adult can help a child with their short attention span and tendency for being distracted by shiny objects. An experienced adult can also monitor the child's air intake, swimming position, ascent rate, and depth.
Equipment to hire for children who want to scuba dive
There are many things you should take into consideration when renting equipment for scuba-diving for kids. Although buying new equipment is cheaper, you cannot always return it once it has been used. It is possible to hire equipment for multiple children in your household until one of them can use it properly. You can also rent gear at a lower cost than purchasing a complete package. You don't want your kids to be in danger when you buy scuba diving gear.
Although wetsuits don't weigh as much as scuba tank, they should still be able to fit your child. A 7 or 10-litre cylinder is usually suitable. To make it easier to handle, add a carry handle. Your child will soon outgrow your wetsuits. We recommend that they be as flexible as possible, but still snug. You may also want to hire a jacket with ample straps. The jacket should allow your child to grow into it, but be large enough to allow the diver to breathe properly and feel comfortable.
For children, there are no age restrictions on scuba diving
While children under the age of ten can pursue a certification course, most scuba organizations start their courses for kids at 10 years old. Children must read the same materials and take the same exams as adults, so it's important to choose a program that is appropriate for their reading level and interests. Then they can get the certification and begin diving! Scuba diving can be a fun and exciting new way for your child to experience the underwater world.
While most agencies offer a course for kids as young as eight years old, these programs are still limited to confined bodies of water. Children over this age cannot dive in open waters and must be accompanied with an adult who has the same certification. PADI and SSI offer certification programs for children. Our guide for parents will help you learn more about scuba diving with kids.