Getting Started
I had the privilege to help instruct a basic Open Water pool session this weekend. A local dive shop called me in to consult because one of their students was a paraplegic. This student was a relatively new injury, secondary to a motor vehicle accident a few years ago. The student was completely paralyzed in the lower thoracic region. I was inspired by the student's enthusiasm and I'm sure this person will do fine when they go for their open water dives. This weekend was a great experience.
As a consultant, I am encouraging the dive shop manager to continue working on making the pool more accessible. He is receptive to this and after a brief meeting, we have a tentative plan on making progress. Meanwhile, we can modify instructor policy by working on more skills in deeper parts of the pool- this will help reduce risk of students sustaining abrasions. While full wetsuits are the best protection, they do not always provide complete protection, especially when the pool temperatures become too hot for a full wet suit.
It felt great to blow some bubbles!
As a consultant, I am encouraging the dive shop manager to continue working on making the pool more accessible. He is receptive to this and after a brief meeting, we have a tentative plan on making progress. Meanwhile, we can modify instructor policy by working on more skills in deeper parts of the pool- this will help reduce risk of students sustaining abrasions. While full wetsuits are the best protection, they do not always provide complete protection, especially when the pool temperatures become too hot for a full wet suit.
It felt great to blow some bubbles!
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