AGE: 10-14
PROGRAM: The PADI Open Water program teaches youth divers the foundational knowledge and skills they need to dive with a parent or buddy independent of supervision. The course has three parts which are: knowledge development, confined (pool) dives and open water dives. Junior divers need to meet all the requirements of the Open Water program as would an adult.
Youths 10-11 years of age have some special requirements for this course. Prior to the start of the junior open water course, the parent and child need to watch the Youth Diving: Responsibility and Risks video. After certification, the youth will be able to dive with a parent, guardian or PADI professional to 40 feet.
Youths 12-14 years of age have just a few special requirements for this course. Once certified the youth will be able to dive with another certified diver who is at least 18 years of age.
Other than the few special requirements, certified Junior Open Water divers can dive anywhere in the world, just like other divers.
Each participant will receive a certification card once completed.
After becoming a Junior Open Water diver, the youth has the option to participate in continuous education to increase confidence, experience and, above all, more fun and excitement underwater. Some of the course options are:
Junior Advanced – Additional training to raise confidence, experience and enjoyment underwater. This course allows the diver to decrease depth limitations to be able to dive additional locations throughout the world.
Fish Awareness and ID Specialty – Learn to enjoy & identify underwater life
Peak Performance Buoyancy – Gain additional buoyancy awareness to enhance the dive experience
Navigation Specialty – Develop and master underwater navigation skills
Equipment Specialist – Gain an understanding for maintenance and care of scuba equipment
COST: $400 per person (additional experience courses are not included), which includes training manual, course DVD, diver log, electronic dive planner, mask, fins, snorkel and all scuba rental equipment needed for course
LOCATION: TD Scuba (Saturday classroom), Blue Springs YMCA (Sunday pool), Beaver Lake, AR (open water dives)
WHEN: 3rd & 4th weekend of May, June, July, August and September
TIME: 6 hours on Saturday, 4 hours on Sunday (1st weekend), 6 hours on Saturday, 4 hours on Sunday (2nd weekend)
