scuba diving pool and ocean lesson

Question
Thank you. Our child, 10 years old, boy just joined up $350. for three lessons, but I've heard that 10 years old is too young by some people, although the dive school says it is fine. Please explain about age and if it is too young in your opinion.

Answer
I'm pleased to hear you have decided to allow your child to enjoy scuba diving at a young age.  I have taught children as young as ten in the past.  As with all people, its not just the age that determines if they can become a safe, self sufficient scuba diver that is mindful of the environment they are in.

The various agencies have determined that age ten is a reasonable age to teach the motor skills required to learn scuba.  While the children can generally learn the skills quite fine, their maturity level and judgment is not that of an adult.  Most agencies have a Junior Open Water certification that would apply to your child.  It is recommended that he always dive with another certified diver of legal age.  This should be his parent or a dive master or instructor.  This applies to children age 10 and 11.

Because there is insufficient research regarding the effects of diving on children, it is also recommended that children 10 - 11 limit their dives to 40 feet.  They are not allowed to take certain specialties such as deep diving and nitrox.

Finally, during the training, the instructor may, in his judgment, determine that the child does not have the ability to learn the skills and apply reasonable judgment to be a scuba diver.  If this happens, it not a statement about the child but a recommendation that the training occur at a time when he is more capable.

Your child's instructor should be happy to discuss his progress during the lessons.  Good luck, and I hope your child enjoys this new life long skill.