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. Kids need to know about self-discipline, abstract concepts, and maturity. The ability to take responsibility and have self-esteem is essential for children. This activity can be both empowering and captivating for children, but parents need to know this.
Safety concerns for children diving
Diverseing for kids has some safety issues. Children under eight are at risk of pulmonary barotrauma from diving. These risks shouldn't be ignored. Parents need to ensure that their children have the proper training before diving. You should also not allow your children to dive if you have any medical conditions. Divers who are not comfortable alone should be supervised by a professional divemaster.
Children diving with adults is a dangerous activity. Children can have different mentalities than adults and are more susceptible to distractions than more experienced divers. Pairing your child with an adult who is experienced in diving should be a good idea. The experienced adult will be able to deal with the child's attention span and ability to get distracted by shiny objects. Furthermore, an experienced adult will be able to closely monitor the child’s air consumption as well as their swimming position and rate of ascent.
Equipment for kids to rent for scuba diving
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. If there are more children than one, it is worth renting equipment until the child is able to use it themselves. A rental gear package is more affordable than purchasing the whole thing. Scuba diving equipment is not something you should do lightly.
Wetsuits aren't as heavy as scuba suits, but they should still fit your child. A 7- to 10-litre cylinder should be adequate. It is easier to carry the cylinder around if it has a handle. As your child will quickly outgrow them, wetsuits should be both flexible and snug. A jacket with plenty of straps is also a good option. The jacket should fit comfortably, but allow your child to grow into it.
For children, there are no age restrictions on scuba diving
A certification course can be pursued by children as young as ten, although most scuba organizations begin their courses for children as early at ten. Children must take the same exams and read the same materials as adults. So it's important that you choose a program that meets their needs. After they are certified, they can start diving. You can find a new adventure in the water with scuba diving for your child!
Many agencies offer courses for children up to eight years of age, but these programs can only be taken in confined water bodies. Children who reach this age aren't certified to dive in open water and must be accompanied by an adult who has attained the same certification. There are many programs available for children to become certified, including those offered through SSI and PADI. Our guide for parents will help you learn more about scuba diving with kids.