Well, Ron,
I guess I understand the demand for kids' programs. If the parents met each other diving (which is common out here) then had kids, babysitting issues can keep the couple out of the water (at least at the same time. As an AI, I sometimes get asked to act as a beach babysitter for someone's kid). Diving couples must rejoice when their kids are big enough to join them in the water. We don't even have kids of our own, but we presume that if we have any, they will someday dive along with us.
These programs are being structured for a variety of formats; curricula must fit a variety of time frames & budgets. Due to the short duration of our course, we continually learn which skills are priority, ie: if we segue into Scuba Adventure, ear clearing is paramount. Reg retrieval was part of the class we just finished. However, most kids who are having trouble breathing just stand up & breath from the surface. We have one adult swimming on her back in front of the group & another swimming behind.
Yes, it can be nervewracking to supervise a bunch of kids in the water, especially teaching a new skill. The only way we manage it is to have a large volunteer staff. If I was doing it for middle-class & rich families, I would be wondering where my check was, too. That's hella work doing a birthday party (where kids are high on sugar). And I would be hard-pressed to stay cheery an environment in which paying adults may overhear my occasional swear word! The kids I teach just laugh. They know they are a handful.
