I couldn't do it.

[MuddyFox]

The more I think about it, the more I realize that they are going to profit off the Bee's troubles. Throw her out of the pool, not give her additional help, charge her $70 to try again with the possibility of failure. I don't forsee them giving her a chance to 'ease' into her regulator by breathing with her face in the water and the other steps Dee suggested.

I talked to the instructor here, and he said he would take her no charge. Just as long as she had paid PADI her dues. Now, is this possible? Will the dive shop she currently is using charge her to refer her elsewhere?

As far as spending her vacation learning how to dive, I can't think of a better way to spend it. It would be a real shame to learn how to dive in Micronesia. Plus she'd get personal attention and would have her favorite newly cert'd rescue diver with her if she didn't find it too distracting.

 

[KZMAN]

Originally posted by MuddyFox
The more I think about it, the more I realize that they are going to profit off the Bee's troubles. Throw her out of the pool, not give her additional help, charge her $70 to try again with the possibility of failure. I don't forsee them giving her a chance to 'ease' into her regulator by breathing with her face in the water and the other steps Dee suggested.

I talked to the instructor here, and he said he would take her no charge. Just as long as she had paid PADI her dues. Now, is this possible? Will the dive shop she currently is using charge her to refer her elsewhere?

As far as spending her vacation learning how to dive, I can't think of a better way to spend it. It would be a real shame to learn how to dive in Micronesia. Plus she'd get personal attention and would have her favorite newly cert'd rescue diver with her if she didn't find it too distracting.

The original dive shop should be responsible for the cert. of said diver. If for some reason this cannot be acheived through this LDS then there should be no additional monies required, nor should ther be a charge for a refferal. If they claim this is required, then I would protest to whatever agency they represent, and seek instruction elsewhere.

 

[KZMAN]

Originally posted by MuddyFox
The more I think about it, the more I realize that they are going to profit off the Bee's troubles. Throw her out of the pool, not give her additional help, charge her $70 to try again with the possibility of failure. I don't forsee them giving her a chance to 'ease' into her regulator by breathing with her face in the water and the other steps Dee suggested.

I talked to the instructor here, and he said he would take her no charge. Just as long as she had paid PADI her dues. Now, is this possible? Will the dive shop she currently is using charge her to refer her elsewhere?

As far as spending her vacation learning how to dive, I can't think of a better way to spend it. It would be a real shame to learn how to dive in Micronesia. Plus she'd get personal attention and would have her favorite newly cert'd rescue diver with her if she didn't find it too distracting.

A true Instuctor, would take a professional attitude, Of seeing her through, and addressing the problems keeping her from the confidence needed to perform the task at hand, At this point, it should not be a money issue, but It is their responsibility, to make sure you have the skills neccessary, to perform the tasks required to become a competent diver, that He/She is willing to sign off on, fully understanding that in doing this that, they are personally responsible for training of said person for their and their buddy's safety, period!!!

 

[Welshman]

MuddyFox

From what you say the Dive Shop did not deliver what they said they would for the $.

I think that if Bee wants to continue with them they should do so for no extra charge. Alternatively they should refund the $ already paid.

Remember no point in "locking horns" with them - a proposal always beats an argument.

Regards

 

[sea nmf]

Great advice.

Regarding a budget, have you thought about contacting your local community swimming pool and asking if you can practice with a mask and snorkle during open swim time? If they agree, it would only be a couple of bucks. You could take your time practicing what the other board members have suggested.

It is freaky the first time, and you may find it easier the next time.

Muddy, are you certified? Can you work with her?

Keep us posted. (And SHAME on the instructor for having his young child in the water at the same time!)

 

[chiara]

This is disgraceful!

If I read it correctly, you signed up with PADI, they will be more than happy to learn about their instructors, dive masters and LDS.

Whatever final agreement you manage to reach (IMHO better get the whole of your precious money back and go find a more responsible instructor), I VERY STRONGLY advocate you let PADI know your version of the story, keeping the report as unbiased as possible.

Someone suggested a Dive Master is not always officially needed, still I find it quite useful for the instructor and the students to have an extra hand to help with small difficulties and repetition.

Ok, I'm off the :box: now.

 

[o2 clean]

Thanks Muddyfox for going into more detail of this situation. I'm sure the group has a clearer picture thanks to you! :winkbl:

My last class is tonight, meaning coverage of my last two chapters, quizes for each, and final. The group was originally planning on doing the beach dives and boat trip to Catalina Island this weekend, but since I didn't accomplish my confined water dive, I will not participate in that!

Prior to our open water class, he informed us that his wife (who is a Dive Master) will be assisting us in the pool as well. So when I arrived there and saw their son in the vehicle with them, I wondered how that was going to work. After changing into my clothes, I see their 4 year old son in the pool with a wet suit, a BC that was 10 sizes to big, and mask/snorkle swimming back in forth in the pool. Assuming they will remove him once our exercises started, I jumped in the pool and started putting on my equipment. Well, you know what they say about assuming, because I was practically swimming head on with this little kid, and I had to curl up my legs as I passed by him in fear of kicking him on the head with my fins. Let me remind you, I've never wore fins before, so I didn't want to assume that I would miss his little self while swimming.

Anyway, as my Muddyfox informed me last night, a referal to his trainer would be best, that way I can learn on my vacation while visiting him. Believe me, my vacation couldn't be better because it's impossible to remove Muddyfox from the water now, so he'll have a blast, as so will I.

I just wish this whole situation was different, but I must learn how to breathe right, and overcome any fears I may have prior to water classes again. I am determined to accomplish this, so from now until then, I will do all the exercises you all told me to do, and will do as many pool activities as possible. I will be certified by next month.... you'll see!

 

[Rockhound]

I rushed through this thread cuz' I'm getting busy at work...but I wanted to comment.

First of all, while not everyone is cut out for diving, anxiety during training is common and episodes such as this are dealt with by instructors every day.

It is completly unexceptable for an Instructor/DM to be babysitting their child during a class. Neither the child nor the student is getting the proper attention and both are placed at risk.

It has been many, many years since I learned to dive. I remember my classes and my lessons very well, however, and I always thought most diving instruction and LDS's followed a similar format.

When I learned to dive back in Georgia, the class had a set "standard" length. However, the tuition for the class included a guarantee of reaching competency, but without a time limit. In other words, no student was charged for "repeats" or "makeups" and no student was given a time limit to complete the training (in your case, there is a trip complicating things, eh?) The tuition simply said "you will be taught to dive competently and will pass, as long as you are willing and able to continue."

The only exception to this "no cost clause" was for equipment or boat rentals on OW dives that needed to be repeated. (Even transportation was included since the shop used its own vans).

Anyway, I couldn't believe it when I read you were being charged for a makeup session. In my class back then, there was a woman who was taking lessons and was in her tenth or twelveth week, "concurrent" with swim lessons. Most of this extended pace was set at her own choice, as she was reported to be very anxious in the beginning.

She was learning to swim and dive at the same time and was actually doing very well when I met up with her. I went on a trip with her over a year later and she was a great diver (and a better swimmer than me, too). To my knowledge, she never paid an extra cent for this "guaranteed" certification.

I will admit, though, that I sometimes wonder how this LDS made money (he's still around...in business for 30yrs.) I built a business plan for an Houston area LDS some years ago that incorporated much of what this guy did and found out that it would LOSE money, even when everything was on target (yeh. yeh. BAD plan. But if I won the LOTTO, it would be fun....)

 

[kelpmermaid]

I've just read your thread and honestly, underwater breathing is not the most natural thing in the world, as others have said. The situation with the child is not good for anyone.

 

[Paul168341]

Ricky you hit it right on the money (pun may or may not be intentional) It is inconscionable for an LDS to charge extra for a student who is having difficulties.
Bee, I'm sure that they run more than 1 OW class at a time, and you should be able to join in, with your own personal DM (or AI) helping you, at NO ADDITIONAL COST! That's what we do at my LDS (Sorry, east coast )
Also, the LDS doesn't make money on teaching classes, that's the hook for retail, which is how they actually stay in business.