One of the best things about scuba diving is that the sport is accessible to divers of varying abilities.  With the Adaptive Support Diver Specialty, you can help divers overcome disabilities to reach their underwater goals.  

Learn how to support a dive buddy with physical or mental challenges.  Become a mindful diver.  Explore adaptive techniques.  Understand the ways those with disabilities overcome obstacles.  Help them face challenges and succeed while diving.

A girl and her service dog smile on the beach.

Have you experienced some form of healing underwater?  Many are drawn to diving for its calming nature.  We submerge and become weightless.  It allows us to get rid of stressors that weigh us down on the surface.  But scuba diving is much more than a way to relieve stress.  Diving can be a form of mental and physical therapy.  

 

A diver helps a disabled diver from their wheelchair into the pool.

WHY BECOME AN ADAPTIVE SUPPORT DIVER?

Based on a study from Johns Hopkins, diving can be therapeutic.  Individuals with mental and physical challenges find relief in scuba diving from anxiety, PTSD, injuries, and more. 

The benefits of diving do not stop there.  Paraplegic divers enjoy the sport.  Blind divers explore underwater with a buddy.  Diving has been found to offer a positive impact to those with Autism.

Scuba diving truly is an incredible sport.  It is important for divers to be aware of the different abilities of others.  As a community that loves diving, we can share our passion by offering support in many ways.

The Adaptive Support Diver Specialty prepares you to do that.  Raise your awareness.  Explore adaptive techniques.  Learn how to support divers with disabilities.

Adaptive techniques being used. A diver underwater leads a diver who is blind.

IN THE COURSE

Learn in a classroom session.  Practice skills in two in-water workshops.  One is in confined water and one is in open water.  Understand the following:

  • Considerations when diving with people with disabilities.
  • Adaptive techniques for buddies with mental and physical challenges.

Become a mindful dive buddy.  Offer the best support you can to those with unique obstacles.  Gain insight and experience in the course.

BEFORE THE COURSE

Divers must be:

  • Open Water Diver (or equivalent).
  • Age 15 or older.
  • Current EFR Primary & Secondary certification. 

Need to get EFR Certified?  These two courses can be done together.  Contact us to schedule your EFR Certification with the specialty.

Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact us at training@puravidadivers.com or call 561-840-8750 for more information.