Adapted Scuba Diving

Activity:  Adapted Scuba Diving

Target participant group:  Individuals with physical disabilities

Therapeutic potential of this activity: 

• Build physical strength and endurance
• Increase social networks
• Provide opportunity for life enjoyment   

What other groups may benefit from this activity? 

• ·         Individuals with traumatic brain injury
• ·         Wounded warriors
• ·         Individuals with ADHD
• ·         Individuals with Down Syndrome
• ·         Individuals with Autism

What groups may not be as appropriate for this activity? 

• ·         Individuals who have a disability affecting their memory (may not be able to remember necessary safety precautions)
• ·         Individuals who have a disability related to pressure

Activity description:

Scuba diving may be taught and adapted to individuals with many different ability levels.  The following levels of certification reflect this great degree of adaptability:    

• ·         Level 1 Scuba Certification:  Diver has ability to perform safety/rescue procedures for himself/herself and others
• ·         Level 2 Scuba Certification:  Diver has ability to perform safety/rescue procedures for himself/herself only
• ·         Level 3 Scuba Certification:  Diver does not have the ability to perform any safety/rescue procedures

A diver's level of certification will thus determine how much assistance is needed for them to be involved in a dive and what type of dives they will be able to go on.

Resources needed:    

• ·         Scuba equipment (goggles, air tanks, weights, swimming suit or wet suit, etc.)
• ·         Pool (controlled environment for safe training) or open water
• ·         Certified instructors

Best leadership style for this activity: 

For this activity, the best leadership style would be one where the leader is very involved at first for participants' safety and then gradually steps back as much as possible as participants become more knowledgeable and competent in performing required diving tasks.  

Where did I find this activity?

Activity information and photo were found on the Diveheart Foundation’s website http://diveheart.org/ on November 14, 2011.   

Where can others find more information on this activity?

The following links direct to additional scuba diving websites:

http://www.divebuddys.com/

http://www.captainslate.com/

http://www.divetech.com/

http://www.hsascuba.com/