Diving with the kids

[Jade]

My husband and I have only been diving for a couple of years now. My oldest son who is 15 also certified with us and I was completely comfortable taking him with us to dive in Cozumel. This past summer the two youngest, 13 & 11 were also certified. We have taken them diving a few times in a local scuba park in Texas but we really want to go take them with us this year to Mexico. With the strong currents, I'm really nervous about not being able to keep my eye on all of them at once even with a dive master but I don't really want to split up when we go diving. Any suggestions?

 

[alcina]

Make sure that you have a DM just for your group. If you are very nervous, get a second one.

Pair one parent to each younger child. 15 year old stays with the lead DM - the last parent can see everyone. The middle parent can see two of the three and knows that the other parent is right behind.

Do more dives before you go so you will all have more experience and confidence. Even if all you can do is get in the pool, practice the basics - buoyancy, buddy contact and communication, OOA etc.

I didn't find the currents strong in Coz so talk to the operators there about times of year/month maybe when they are lighter on average (may not be possible, but doesn't hurt to ask). Make sure you start your holiday with the easiest, shallow sites to get everyone back in diving mode. Think of doing some shore dives there - it's easy, filled with stuff to see and right close to shore (and shallow). Good practice in a pretty controlled environment.

Have fun!!

 

[mavjax]

Very good advice.

The only thing I would add (my 12 and 10 year olds are certified) is to make sure they know they can call the dive anytime... even before they get wet. I have found with mine that if they feel more in control of the situation, they automatically become more comfortable. Sometimes mine will just feel a bit nervous or not right before the dive, and they know they can call it and nobody is going to get mad at them.

 

[Christi]

I tritto the above advice.

Hire a private Divemaster for your family. It is well worth the $35 - $50 depending on what shop you use and whether it is a DM or Instructor you hire.

Have fun!

 

[Jade]

Thanks for the replies. You've given me some great things to consider. We definitely will have our own dive master and will assure the kids that they can call the dive if they don't feel right.

 

[MikeFerrara]

How do you feel about their ability to keep an eye on you?

While a DM can come in handy as a guide don't rely on one for safet. If you (or your children) are in the water you need to be capable of completing the dive on your own. In other words, having a DM is not insurance (or an excuse) for you or any one else to dive beyond their abilities. If the current is a concern...it's a concern with or without a DM.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Hey Jade.

Make sure you get them in scuba gear before the trip. Maybe an update would be appropriate? At the very least some time in the pool.

Or for the simple cost of an airplane ticket I know this crusty old instructor who'd be willing to escort you all

 

[webjr]

How do you feel about their ability to keep an eye on you?

Thats something parents should spend a little more time thinking about . Thats allot of responsibility to put on a child . Of course , an adult is not necessarily a better buddy just because they're an adult . I've seen some kids that were pretty sharp in the water .
I had a mother and son team I was supervising during OW once . The mother was the nervous one . The 12 yr old son was very observant of mom . He seemed to be calm , in control at all times , and determined to "take care of mom" .