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#51828
Kids and Scuba Diving - What is a safe age to start?
Greg - 6/15/2012 7:31 AM
Category: Survey
Replies: 43

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.).
#12190
Eric_R - 5/02/2014 9:07 AM
[Choose #3] It ultimately comes down to the abilities of the kids and the confedence the parent s have in those abilities.
#248
Kwai - 7/16/2012 6:06 AM
[Choose #2] I am a diver and a grandmother,I would like to diving with my grandchildren I hope,if they are senseble enough.
#72
Slim - 6/27/2012 9:47 AM
[Choose #5] When they are old enough to understand what they are doing. My daughter dove with me when she was 16.
#341
1877SCUBAUSA - 6/25/2012 8:25 AM
[Choose #3] Restricted to a Max Depth of 33 fsw, 2 aTm
#76
WaterFaery - 6/23/2012 10:41 AM
[Choose #3] Maturity and comprehension of risks involved. Depth control. No advanced diving ie wrecks etc.
#31
simonru - 6/23/2012 10:22 AM
[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!
#46
diverdave2 - 6/22/2012 2:25 PM
[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.
#5687
tshark - 6/20/2012 6:48 AM
[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!
#91
rockwalldiver - 6/19/2012 9:08 AM
[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.
#438
DepartureDiver - 6/19/2012 7:06 AM
[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
#787
Mavricky - 6/17/2012 7:18 PM
[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.
#8049
Rich-D-Fish - 6/15/2012 10:46 PM
[Choose #5] Maturity counts more than age when it comes to being responsible for keeping yourself alive.
#86
Chippy - 6/15/2012 9:49 PM
[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.
#3783
Kamdive - 6/15/2012 8:10 PM
[Choose #3] I have too wait till I’m 12 !!!!! I can’t wait !!!!!
#67
ffscubadude - 6/15/2012 2:54 PM
[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.
#28736
RAWalker - 6/15/2012 2:37 PM
[Choose #5] At least 10 but it depends on the maturity of the child and the parent.
#364
DumpsterDiver - 6/15/2012 11:57 AM
[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.
#20323
Smithsgold - 6/15/2012 9:16 AM
[Choose #3] 12 but depends on the Child
#20460
LatitudeAdjustment - 6/15/2012 8:47 AM
[Choose #3] A lot depends on the child, my son was ready at 12, my daughter waited a few years.
#9476
hoofpick - 6/15/2012 8:12 AM
[Choose #5] I know what most agencies require age wise but if they can handle the equipment then why not.
#51828
Subscribed
Greg - 6/15/2012 7:33 AM
[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.