What is Discovery Scuba?

Discovery Scuba is an opportunity for those with a physical disability to try scuba diving in a controlled environment, usually a pool.

What can I expect?

When it's your turn to try scuba, we'll take you to the pool and help you if you need help into the pool, put scuba equipment on you like a mask, a BC (buoyancy compensator), and a reg (regulator), and depending on your level of ability, you may put the equipment on while on the side of the pool or we may put it on you once you're in the water.

The instructor will spend a few minutes adjusting the equipment to make sure it fits your form well. He or she will then spend a few minutes explaining the equipment, the signals each of you will use to communicate under water and letting you know what to expect.

Once you're in the in water, your instructor will explain how to breathe from a reg and let you try while you are still above the water. While you're still in the shallow end of the pool, you and your instructor will duck below the water's surface to give you a chance at breathing through the reg in the water. The first time you'll be under water for only a few seconds. Then the instructor will answer your questions and make sure you're comfortable before continuing on.

You'll then go under the water and swim around a little. The instructor will help you move around the water as much or little as you need it. How deep you go and how long you stay down depends on how comfortable you are. You won't be asked to do anything you're not yet comfortable with.

How long does the Discovery Scuba last?

A Discovery Scuba session can last 20 to 30 minutes for each participant depending on the number of participants.

What do I need to bring?

Towel, Swimsuit, and a Parent if you are between 12 and 18 (you need to be at least 12 years of age to participate in a Discovery Scuba event.)

Who can participate?

Individuals with a physical disability age 12 or older can participate. (A parent or guardian must accompany individuals under 18.)

I have/my child has:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Quadriplegia
• Paraplegia
• Trouble walking or walk(s) with a cane or crutches
• Limited/no use of hands or arms

I am/my child is:

• An amputee
• Missing a hand(s), arm(s) and/or leg(s)
• Hearing impaired
• Visually impaired

I use/my child uses:

• A wheelchair
• A walker

Yes! The list above is by no means exhaustive. If you have additional questions with regard to your disability, email us at eelsonwheels@sbcglobal.net.

I have problems equalizing my ears (general ear pain problems.) Can I participate?

Yes, you may not be able to go very deep though. We'll go down as far as you comfortably can and swim around the pool at that depth.

I'm nervous!

An instructor will be with you the entire time you are in the water. You won't be asked to do something you are not ready to do. The instructor will help you until you feel comfortable.

How much does it cost?

Currently the event is free. We accept donations that help us pay for equipment rental for future Discovery Scuba events.

How do I find out when you're next event is?

Send an email to us at eelsonwheels@sbcglobal.net and we'll give you the date of the next Discovery Scuba event, or contact us through our contact page.