Breaking Barriers with Bubbles !
Scuba diving for people with disabilities and disadvantages
Diving with people who have disabilities? Having a disability does not necessarily mean you can’t go Scuba diving. Contrary to what some people may think, scuba diving is adapted to most disabilities.
It can improve breathing, self-esteem, muscle tone and strength. The challenge can help overcome a lack of self-confidence, and help the disabled diver to improve communication skills and enjoy a previously unknown freedom of movement. With proper instruction a disabled driver can get a glimpse of the underwater world and see the amazing marine life around our shores.
With the help of diving buddies and training, even severely disabled individuals can enjoy the experience of Scuba Diving. The new sights, sounds and sensations make it an incredible event that they will always remember. There are many regular disabled divers, and the number of Scuba Diving training centres that are equipped to deal with the disabled is increasing.
It is a great leveller and offers a unique sense of freedom. Once we are in the water, we are all, to some degree, equal. Weightless, able to breathe and to move in three dimensions
Anyone can learn scuba diving with us. Young or old, able-bodied or with physical or mental disabilities, you are welcome
Furness Diving Club is affiliated to the British Sub Aqua Clubs (BSAC) and welcomes any interest in diving or snorkelling from any segment of contemporary society, regardless of race, religion, background or disability, provided that there are no medical reasons that would stop a person diving.
Our aim is to maximise what can be done and to offset that which may be found more challenging in a safe and secure manner. Many persons with disabilities are very comfortable in the water and already make use of local swimming pools
With preparation paraplegic or quadriplegic can be accommodated. Being deaf or blind is not a restriction and likewise for anyone suffering from Autism or Parkinson’s for instance diving can be a an enjoyable and rewardingly achievable challenge. It will give the opportunity to meet people with a common interest drawn from all walks of life and can help develop a feeling of wellbeing, personal confidence and promote good mental health.
Scuba diving can be enjoyed by virtually anyone, regardless of physical ability.
Furness Diving Club have a number of enthusiastic diving instructors some of whom have undertaken specialist training and qualifications to facilitate Diving for All.
As well as a number of class room sessions and facilitated discussions these courses included practical sessions in open water at Capenwray. Here instructors practiced giving lessons to amputees, paraplegics in wheel chairs and a deaf person. Instructors had also to try and experience issues a disabled person might face in the water themselves by having a limb or two restrained !
Come and have a Try Dive !
As an initial first step into diving the Furness Diving Club offers taster sessions or ‘try dives’ in the swimming pool at Leisure Centre in Barrow Park, Greengate Street. Each Try Dive is about one hour in duration. It includes some initial poolside tuition on diving techniques and equipment followed by a scuba dive in the pool with BSAC-qualified instructors
The leisure centre installed a Poolpod, submersible lift, back in 2019 to make aquatic activity more accessible. It provides dignified and independent access to the water for pool users.
After your try dive if you would like to go ahead and develop your knowledge and skills further, in the equivalent of 4-6 days continuous training, you could become a fully qualified a BSAC Ocean Diver.
Some of the benefits of Scuba Diving with Disabilities:
This will vary from individual to individual, but the benefits are wide ranging and often life changing. Here are just a few. Apart from getting exercise, disabled divers report that scuba diving gives them:
· Enhanced movement – They can move their limbs in a way they can’t on land
· A sense of freedom they never experience on land
· Relief from anxiety and stress (there is a lot of evidence that scuba can play a big part in helping veterans overcome PTSD)
· A feeling of being in control again
· Confidence
· Equality with able bodied people
· Self belief
