Children and diving: the recreational-diving training perspective.

Abstract

The provision of scuba experiences for children is drawing increased interest from many who look to scuba diving as a family activity. Dive industry professionals may independently decide if they wish to train families with children under 12 years old. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) has made concerted efforts to provide information to assist affiliated instructors in making that decision, and prescribes standards and post-certification limitations based on minimum age requirements. This position statement overviews and identifies the issues involved in teaching children to scuba dive, including the risks in doing so from PADI’s perspective and what to do to responsibly address these risks. (Richardson D. Children and diving: the recreational-diving training perspective. SPUMS J 2003; 33: 83-89) (NOTE: Followed by book review of "Children and scuba diving: a resource guide for instructors and parents." Reviewed by Taylor, L)