NOAA Ocean Guardian Dive Club

[claire.fackler]

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is excited to announce the relaunch of the NOAA Ocean Guardian Dive Club, an educational program designed to strengthen youth involvement in diving and ocean conservation. This program aims to build a connection between youth and the ocean, inspiring them to enjoy and protect the ocean throughout their lifetime. Dive Club lessons target youth ages 8-12, but can be scaled up for older students as needed.

Information for Dive Shops and Dive Clubs​

Dive shops and dive clubs are encouraged to incorporate these free educational materials into their scuba certification programs to teach youth about ocean conservation and stewardship with a focus on safe diving techniques. During a multi-day program or summer camp, dive clubs and dive shops can conduct both classroom- and pool-based sessions to practice diving techniques, as well as teach youth about issues and threats related to national marine sanctuaries.

Following the program or camp, dive club participants are strongly encouraged to conduct a stewardship activity as a way to create a positive environmental change in their community. Ideas include a beach or watershed cleanup or a campaign to reduce ocean pollution. Find inspiration through project examples from NOAA Ocean Guardian Schools around the country.

Information for Parents​

If you are a parent of a youth diver and would like them to participate in the NOAA Ocean Guardian Dive Club, share this information with your local dive shop. All of the educational materials are free and dive shops are encouraged to use the lessons as part of their junior dive certification programs.

What do students learn?​

Youth divers will learn about the special places protected by NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary System through important ocean literacy and conservation topics. Youth divers will be equipped and inspired to be ocean stewards. Students will practice important diving skills and learn about basic science diving concepts. Not located near a National Marine Sanctuary? Don’t worry - students living all over the country will learn and benefit from the ideas introduced in each lesson.