09/Feb/2009
Scuba Diving Becomes A New “Family” Sport
By Dr. Roy Ducote
Once limited to an elite group of risk-takers and thrill seekers, scuba diving has evolved into a safe and enjoyable activity for millions of outdoor enthusiasts. Advances in equipment and training, in addition to a better understanding of diving physiology, have resulted in a diverse range of participants. Wherever there is water, people dive - oceans, lakes, rivers, quarries, even submerged caves.
Scuba, an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, requires training to achieve certification before an individual can dive without professional supervision. Certifying agencies like PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) and NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) provide guidelines and standards for instructors to follow, ensuring safe and effective training.
Classes include a review of educational materials, pool instruction and a series of “open water” dives. Independent study and online learning minimize class time, allowing students to get wet on Day One. In just a few weeks, divers can earn their C-card (certification card), which must be presented when renting equipment or diving with a dive operator.
More and more families are choosing this sport as a way to spend leisure time together. Anyone at least 10 years of age who can swim and is in reasonably good health can become a certified scuba diver. In training, age is no longer an advantage. It is not uncommon for youngsters and teens to catch on quicker than their parents.
The excitement and challenge of participating in a new and adventurous activity brings parents and children together in a unique and positive way. Standard use of the “buddy” system also promotes quality interaction between family members.
For pool owners, private instruction allows families to learn in the comfort and privacy of their homes at their own pace. Alternatively, classes are offered on a regularly scheduled basis at local dive shops.
Once certified, families will often choose to vacation at beach resorts that provide scuba diving services. For south Louisianians, the Florida panhandle and Florida Keys are popular dive destinations. Children too young for scuba can snorkel in shallow water where colorful marine life abounds.
For more information, contact Roy Ducote at 753-7264 or go to www.padi.com. With summer just around the corner, now is the time to discover scuba diving.
By Dr. Roy Ducote
Once limited to an elite group of risk-takers and thrill seekers, scuba diving has evolved into a safe and enjoyable activity for millions of outdoor enthusiasts. Advances in equipment and training, in addition to a better understanding of diving physiology, have resulted in a diverse range of participants. Wherever there is water, people dive - oceans, lakes, rivers, quarries, even submerged caves.
Scuba, an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, requires training to achieve certification before an individual can dive without professional supervision. Certifying agencies like PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) and NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) provide guidelines and standards for instructors to follow, ensuring safe and effective training.
Classes include a review of educational materials, pool instruction and a series of “open water” dives. Independent study and online learning minimize class time, allowing students to get wet on Day One. In just a few weeks, divers can earn their C-card (certification card), which must be presented when renting equipment or diving with a dive operator.
More and more families are choosing this sport as a way to spend leisure time together. Anyone at least 10 years of age who can swim and is in reasonably good health can become a certified scuba diver. In training, age is no longer an advantage. It is not uncommon for youngsters and teens to catch on quicker than their parents.
The excitement and challenge of participating in a new and adventurous activity brings parents and children together in a unique and positive way. Standard use of the “buddy” system also promotes quality interaction between family members.
For pool owners, private instruction allows families to learn in the comfort and privacy of their homes at their own pace. Alternatively, classes are offered on a regularly scheduled basis at local dive shops.
Once certified, families will often choose to vacation at beach resorts that provide scuba diving services. For south Louisianians, the Florida panhandle and Florida Keys are popular dive destinations. Children too young for scuba can snorkel in shallow water where colorful marine life abounds.
For more information, contact Roy Ducote at 753-7264 or go to www.padi.com. With summer just around the corner, now is the time to discover scuba diving.
