Safe procedures for children's swimming pool try-dive?

[tstormdiver]

Being I am not a PADI instructor, I am not completely familiar with their standards. I know recently SSI stopped allowing DSD for those under 10 yrs of age (Used to be 8). The ratios are- 10 & 11 y/o- 2 students to 1 instructor, 12 or older 4 students to 1 instructor. I personally keep the number down to the lower ends, so that I can be within reach of the students at all times. I give very specific instructions that they stay very close to me. I also avoid over weighting students,.. its just not worth it

 

[Quero]

I also avoid over weighting students,.. its just not worth it

With little kids it's common for them to be negatively buoyant even with no weightbelt, especially if they are not outfitted with really small tanks.

 

[tstormdiver]

With little kids it's common for them to be negatively buoyant even with no weightbelt, especially if they are not outfitted with really small tanks.

Very true,... thank yoou for the correction.

 

[Quero]

10 - 11 years old is a full DSD not a Bubblemaker

Thanks for that reminder.

 

[ianmayo]

With little kids it's common for them to be negatively buoyant even with no weightbelt, especially if they are not outfitted with really small tanks.

The instructor did explain that what we experienced was a recent problem. They were using larger tanks than normal. Compressor trouble meant they were having to get them refilled at another site, and larger tanks were more convenient.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I have done scores of DSD's, and my perception is that there was not enough review of regulator recovery before the dive. Also, the attention level of the in water leader seems to have been less than ideal. Presuming a fairly small pool, the in water leader should have an awareness of location and situation of each child. There is also a suggestion of over-weighting ( too common in DSD experience classes). I give credit for the second supervisor on the deck. All's well that end's well, but this could have gone much better with proper following of protocols and a more attentive in water supervisor.
DivemasterDennis