Before the session , a school staff member briefed the team on which students were diving , who might pull out at the last minute and who might need some additional support in the water . A dive brief for each student was conducted prior to entering the pool , explaining step-by-step a clearly defined dive plan from beginning to end . It included our system for entering the pool , who their instructor was , and the 20 minutes they were allocated in the pool . It was important that the students knew when to stop , get de-kitted and exit the pool . With this approach , it helped the students relax , be comfortable and importantly have fun with this new experience .
Into the blue
We grouped the students by photo / no photo consent to avoid confusion ; prior knowledge of their shoe sizes helped a lot when kitting them up . The DfA team had conducted similar try dive events for several years and its experience has taught them to minimise any possible increase in anxiety . For those who are neuro diverse , it is essential to operate a system giving out mask and fins before entering the pool . Our instructors ensured that the process of donning BCD and cylinder was all safely supervised . This provided a seamless transition from dry land into the warm swimming pool with heavy equipment the children may never have seen , and would be wearing for the first time . This worked efficiently and after a quick brief from the instructors each student was taken for a dive on a one-to-one basis . Instructor Matt Goodwin reflects : “ It is extremely rewarding to witness a person with a condition enjoy the freedom and excitement of a new experience under
Malcolm Gardner from High Grange School and Stephen supporting one of the younger try divers
the complete care of an instructor . It was evident that the try dives enabled everyone to enjoy something totally different , producing yet another example of how inclusive scuba diving can be . Obtaining a reciprocal okay signal at the deep end was truly a joy to behold . Several circuits were completed and some genuinely did not want to leave . Many genuine smiles and rewarding conversations took place both before and after the dives .” Events like try dives are a sterling example of how accessible and enjoyable scuba diving can be for people living with
Final check by Graham , with Frazer and Lauren on hand
different types of challenges . We can overthink some of these situations and spend too much time worrying and contemplating , but with collaboration , suitable risk assessments and safeguarding practices , things can be much simpler than we initially imagine . Our event shows just how much hard work BSAC are doing with their DfA programme and also how Derby BSAC are leading the way and gaining confidence by looking to include those with neuro and physical diversity within their own programmes and events . Bravo to all ! �
Teamwork is the key to a successful and rewarding try dive
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