SparticleBrane
Contributor
I don't necessarily have a problem with kids on scuba at a young age--but only in a pool. My rescue instructor said that when his kids were younger they'd hop in the dive well with a small pony bottle and they'd be down there for 20ish minutes tops.
He refused to certify them, however, until he thought they were mature enough to truly handle what scuba demands--I don't believe he certified them until their late teens.
Personally I think 11 might be a little young. Even mid teens--still a little young.
Think about this: You get your 11-year old certified, and you're diving with her. You have a heart attack--is she strong enough to get you to the surface and possibly tow you to the shore/boat?
He refused to certify them, however, until he thought they were mature enough to truly handle what scuba demands--I don't believe he certified them until their late teens.
Personally I think 11 might be a little young. Even mid teens--still a little young.
Think about this: You get your 11-year old certified, and you're diving with her. You have a heart attack--is she strong enough to get you to the surface and possibly tow you to the shore/boat?