#44802
|
Kids and Scuba Diving - What is a safe age to start?
Greg - 6/15/2012 7:31 AM
Replies: 40
|
|
Based on aptitude, maturity and safety awareness...at what age do you think it’s safe for children to start scuba diving? Please comment on restrictions you think should be imposed on kids that scuba dive (ie: maximum depth, who should be their dive buddy, any special gear, certain dive conditions, etc.). |
|
[Choose #2] I am a diver and a grandmother,I would like to diving with my grandchildren I hope,if they are senseble enough.
|
|
|
[Choose #5] When they are old enough to understand what they are doing. My daughter dove with me when she was 16.
|
|
|
[Choose #3] Restricted to a Max Depth of 33 fsw, 2 aTm
|
|
|
[Choose #3] Maturity and comprehension of risks involved. Depth control. No advanced diving ie wrecks etc.
|
|
|
[Choose #2] It’s not just about maturity... there is the issue of physical development... at under 10 years old the lungs are not fully developed enough for the breathing of compressed air. Last year Sport Diver magazine in the UK had a very excellent article!
|
|
|
[Choose #3] I’ve been an instructor for 14 years and found most 10 & 11 year olds have trouble knowing what planet they are on. Seems like when they reach 12 they settle down and pay attention.
|
|
|
[Choose #5] It all depends on the person! There are are a lot of cert divers in their 40’s that are not ready yet lol With that being said there are select kids that may be ready at an early age It all depends on the child,But they should never be forced to!
|
|
|
[Choose #3] My first SCUBA experience was at age 8 in Jamaica. Probably pretty lucky to have survived that. I think it is less about age and more about education and your ability to learn and demonstrate what you have learned. 12 is probably a good though.
|
|
|
[Choose #4] I’ve seen too many things, including the most mature honor student being an excellent student, but then in a post-class dive when a situation arrises they didn’t handle it that well since they focus on fun and not staying aware to potential problems
|
|
|
[Choose #3] Each kid is different. I’ve seen one at least that would have been a responsible diver at 10 but still I’d limit depth. Seen adults that will never be ready.
|
|
|
[Choose #5] Maturity counts more than age when it comes to being responsible for keeping yourself alive.
|
|
|
[Choose #2] My 10, 12, and 14 year old kids are certified divers. It comes down to making sure they have the maturity to focus on safety while blowing bubbles.
|
|
|
[Choose #3] I have too wait till I’m 12 !!!!! I can’t wait !!!!!
|
|
|
[Choose #5] My kids are 8 & 10 and are Certified Scuba Rangers. They absolutely love it and are pretty good at it as well. However, I would not just turn them loose in open water. Their maximum depth is 12ft. - which I think is plenty for them right now.
|
|
|
[Choose #2] My son was certified as a jr diver at 10 and so far has done great. He will be 12 soon and I have no regrets in him starting at 10. He actually did better in the class he took than a couple of kids who were 5 or 6 years older than him.
|
|
|
[Choose #5] At least 10 but it depends on the maturity of the child and the parent.
|
|
|
[Choose #5] I was 12 when I was certified. It opened a new world for me. My daughter is 7 right now and itching to get certified. I had her in the deep end of the pool at 6. There is no way I would put her in open water yet.
|
|
|
[Choose #3] 12 but depends on the Child
|
|
|
[Choose #3] A lot depends on the child, my son was ready at 12, my daughter waited a few years.
|
|
|
[Choose #5] I know what most agencies require age wise but if they can handle the equipment then why not.
|
|
|
[Choose #5] My Kids can start once I am qualified to teach them. (they’ll be 11 & 12 & 17) but it’s more about them as individuals than a given age.
|
|
|
|
[Choose #3] Max depth should be 50 overall, but less if viz is low or water is cold. Should only be allowed to dive with a certified parent/guardian or dive master until the age of 15. I would not allow my child to dive in rough seas or inside wrecks/caves.
|
|