10 TIPS FOR DIVING WITH KIDS
MARGO’S PADI PRO TIPS MAKING DIVING WITH KIDS SAFE AND SOUND
the pressure in their ears, and I showed them how to do that with gentle pressure, holding their noses, wiggling their jaws, etc. I see the light bulb click in their eyes at that moment of understanding. It’s essential to descend slowly, use a line to help them with this process and over-emphasize any pain as a full stop. I could do a full story on ears, but most importantly, it can take up to 10 minutes for some kids to safely descend as young divers. 4. Ask for assistance: If you have not taught kids or don’t do so very often, ask for a certified helper. Students should never be left alone for any reason, and kids need more attention than adult divers. They must be reminded to stay hydrated, apply sunblock, have a shorter time between breaks, and have additional assistance carrying and setting up heavy gear. I have a comfort level with no more than 2 kids at a time, so that is my ratio as an instructor. 1 hand for each child. If I have 3 or more, I ask for assistance. 5. Stay Close: Staying close to kids means being able to reach out and touch them. It means understanding that kids can
10 TIPS WHEN DIVING WITH KIDS 1. Share your passion: Tell your stu- dents what you love about diving and why? I like to talk about zero gravity, being present in the moment, and being able to leave the surface world behind. 2. Go Slow : Tell them what you’re going to tell them,Tell them, and then tell them what you told them. (That was some of the best advice my PADI course director, Conrad Rucker, gave me during my IDC 1in 2010.) Use analogies that will inspire and interest kids. Slow down your briefings and weave in personal, friendly touches or experi- ences. Give plenty of time for Q&A. Go slower when demonstrating; go slower when descending, guiding, and ascending. 3. Little Ears: Most kids have no idea what equalizing feels like when learning to dive.They have shorter eustachian tubes. I explain to kids what it feels like when land- ing in an airplane because all my students experience this when flying. So they get that analogy. I also explained that when they chew gum or swallow on the plane, they equalize
By Margo Peyton My philosophy as a PADI Pro for 37 years, when teaching and diving with kids, is to inspire them and share your appreciation and respect for our underwater world. I proac- tively share my joy, love, and understanding of the fragile marine environment they have committed to learning about. I think Dive- masters and Instructors are similar to other educators, coaches, and guides.We have the transformative power to change a life for the better every day. It’s important to remember that in today’s world, the effort made by parents to navigate access to scuba diving experiences for their children can be costly and challenging.As an instructor and the president of Kids Sea Camp Inc., I have the privilege of teaching children in the most desirable dive destina- tions around the globe; I prioritize being wel- coming, attentive, and service-forward to each student.They arrive nervous, excited, and hungry to become a diver. Parents are eager for their long-awaited dive buddies to share their passion with, and I have the honor and pleasure of creating those memories to last a lifetime.
www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 dive@familydivers.com
www.oceanwishes.org
49
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator