Page 13 - KSC Magazine 2020

Number One is St. Lucia at Anse Chas- tanet Resort.This resort offers, a Spa, jungle biking, volcano hiking, paddle boarding, sailing, snorkeling, chocolate culinary classes, yoga, shopping, guided sugar plantation walks, farm to table dining as well as a jazzy sunset cruise.There are opportunities for time together as a family and for divers to dive while non divers enjoy the rest.
#2 would be Palau. Royal Resorts and Sam’s Tours.This destination offers Rock Islands kayaking,World War I and II history tours, museums, shopping, spas, beautiful beaches and the worlds best diving for div- ers.
What makes Kids Sea Camp Special Needs friendly?
For the past 7 years we have been provid- ing special needs for adults and kids diving around the world, exceeding their expecta- tions. I gathered a team of dive instructors that are experienced in areas such as high functioning autism, deaf, handicap, and expe- rienced in the valet needs of elderly divers. We provide valet diving services to make everyday diving details easier and less stressful for all who need or want.
We can provide private one-on-one instructors or dive masters for people that need a little more professional assistance. We have smaller tanks and BC’s for smaller adults and kids.We have destinations that can cater to needs of dive platforms and wheelchairs, and we can help people with gear off in and out of the water. If families can give us specific instructions we do our best to meet those needs.
Most importantly, the doctor who is treat- ing a special needs participant must provide authorization stating person is cleared to participate in scuba diving activities. I require at least six months notice and a good in- depth conversation about special needs.
Any advice for parents and rela- tives of new divers?
Know your kids’ depth limits and profile restrictions. If you are not a PADI pro or other dive pro, not an avid diver, then always make sure to request to have a dive master or instructor leading you on dives with your kids.
Parents have enough on their plates taking care of themselves under water, when you add kids to that it can become very stress- ful quickly. Kids move around faster and you can’t just talk or yell to them underwater. Parents and relatives should make sure to have a refresher course if needed. Know your signals and skills well, so that you can assist and communicate with young or new divers. Lead by example.
Your kids watch you and they learn from
observing your habits. So lead by example. Make sure your gear is streamlined, check your gauges early and often, ascend and descend slowly.
Always let someone else know you’re going diving and make sure you have a slate to write on.Things happen, currents come up and you need to be able to communicate with each other. Have a plan.
Make it fun to come up with some of your own sea signs and signals.
Don’t assume every diver knows the same signs & signals.
Go over them before your dive.
Make sure you do a weight check prior to diving and know the type of dive you are going to do.
Make sure you are not forcing your child to dive. If he or she is scared or doesn’t want to go, then discuss what’s going on and make it OK not to dive.The worst thing you can do is force a child or adult to dive when they do not feel safe or well.
Don’t try to impress your child.
Don’t be a show off. I promise kids will try to do what you do. Just enjoy your time in the water and let them enjoy the zero grav- ity. Diving should not be like being in
a boot camp.Your kids should have fun!
It is called recreational diving for a reason.
Kids love the zero gravity, doing somer- saults, taking photos having fun with you and being upside down. Make some of that OK when its safe to. Show them where it’s OK to have some fun and when it’s not.
Do not give kids over the counter medications before a dive
If I had a dollar for every time a child told me their parent loaded them up with an an- tihistamine before a dive, I could fill a bucket. That can be a very dangerous thing to do.
Some medications can cause reverse blocks or also cause panic and anxiety at- tacks.
The most common problem is dehydration. Diving is a very. dehydrating sport anyway, so adding a decongestant before a dive can make a situation ten times worse.
Consult with a doctor before administering any medications that will be in you or your childs system during a dive. Never drink alcohol and dive.
There is never a day that I don’tl earn something new from the people I have the pleasure to dive with around the world. Diving with kids expands my knowledge and enriches my life each year.
1.Turning a frightened or anxious mother’s face into a calm and confident smile.
2. Seeing three generations of divers enjoy- ing diving together as a family.
Margo Peyton PADI Instructor #57474 1989 - 2020
Celebrating 31 years of diving in 2020.
www.familydivers.com
803-419-2556 email: dive@familydivers.com www.oceanwishes.org
My greatest moments
3. Taking children out of the only world they have ever known and showing them the magic of the ocean for the very first time.