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Safety is of course the main concern but make fun a close second.
Introduction
Try Dives are a useful way of introducing interested public to the joys of scuba diving. They are usually undertaken in a local swimming pool and should be good fun for the instructor and the student. Spend as least time as possible talking on the surface. Get down under to maximise the experience.
Preparation
- Make sure the DO is aware of the plans.
- Check the dates with the Training Officer to ensure that the equipment and air fills are available.
- Well beforehand check that the guest has no medical problems. Find out if they have a mask, fins and snorkel and get their shoe size, if appropriate.
- Make sure they know the date, time, venue and directions.
- Tell them to bring an old tee shirt.
- Get the medical waiver/disclaimer forms, info pack and try-dive certificate from the Training Officer.
- If the guest is a friend or family, consider using an underwater camera.
- Younger guests may a get a thrill if there are 'treasures' for them to 'find' in the pool.
On the day
- On the day, arrive early and pre-assemble own equipment.
- Pre-place 'treasures' or hoops underwater.
- When the guests arrive, introduce yourself and try to remember their names.
- Show the guests where to change and remind them about safety, securing valuables, and removing shoes.
- Explain that the aim is to have fun, so encourage the guests to make requests and ask questions.
- Ensure the guests complete a medical waiver or disclaimer form before diving.
- Check that the mask fits carefully.
- Find most comfy stab jacket and fins.
- Assemble the guest's equipment, briefly explaining what it does.
Pre-dive briefing
- The guest may be nervous - always be confident, relaxed and reassuring.
- Remember to be 'brief' in 'briefings' - the guests are here to dive not to listen to a lecture.
- It is crucial to stress, "Never hold your breath" and explain ear clearing (stay shallow if problems).
- Go through key signals: submerge, ear trouble, go up, swim this way, kneel down, stay put, watch me, etc.
- In general, always explain what's about to happen, give good eye contact underwater, and stick close.
- Generally the more control they have the less anxious they will feel so advise them that they can surface at any time or quit whenever they want too.
The dive
- Enter the water in the shallow end and kit up in the pool.
- Show them how buoyancy aid works (but you do it for them initially).
- Check guest's equipment carefully and fit a light weight belt if needed.
- Get the guest to breath with the DV on the surface.
- Get the guest to kneel down underwater for few breaths to see how DV feels. Surface and check that the guest is happy.
- Swim a width underwater, holding on to guest if required. If OK, steadily progress to deeper water, always checking they can ear-clear. If guest seems confident, see if they want to do barrel rolls, somersaults, hoop swim-through's etc.
- Only do diving 'drills' if guest expresses interest.
- Take photos if appropriate.
Post-dive
- Ask if the guest enjoyed it, and if they did well, say so.
- Ask if there are any questions about diving in general, or the club. If the guest seems keen, offer an information pack.
- Make sure they get a SUDG try-dive certificate. If the try-dive was paid for with a try-dive voucher, give this to the treasurer to cross check that the voucher was paid for, otherwise ask the guests to give the fee to you or the treasurer.
- Give the medical waiver and disclaimers to the Diving Officer for filing.
Run a local school try-dives
Many clubs put on special try-dives for their local schools. Individuals are charged a couple of pounds, which is totaled and split between the school and the club. You need to decide on the age range and how many (this may be determined by how much small equipment you can get).
Of course, take usual safety gear: oxygen and first aid equipment. You will need to take loads of disclaimer forms for guardians to sign. Also take SUDG try-dive certificates to give out on completion. It is important to have non-diver helpers to do paperwork and money handling.
Always praise and re-assure, never tell off or make them feel useless, watch for any sign of panic and either sort it out or abandon the try-dive. These are great fun, they'll love it, and so will you.
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