The underwater magic of the Cayman Islands beckons for some local youngsters.
Children ages 8 and older from the Grace Christian Academy School in West Bay are benefitting from the expertise of PADI Master Instructors Sonia and Fulvio Bonati. Mr. Bonati said that the courses run twice a week.
“We are teaching a dive course to six children – two Open Water and four Seal team. This is a wonderful experience for us as it is very nice to work with the kids, but also for the children to have the opportunity to try underwater diving for the first time,” said the expert, who runs a five-star dive school in Milan.
Environmental awareness
Following swimming pool training, the children will have the opportunity to go into the sea and see the marine life in its natural environment. This naturalist training and subsequent ability to describe the underwater world is important, Mr. Bonati said.
“The courses increase theoretical knowledge and environmental needs of participants and experiences beyond the dive. The courses are creative, fun, but not difficult with a high educational value in self-esteem, self-confidence, teamwork and team spirit, physical preparation, aquatics, knowledge of the ecosystem by protecting and respecting it. “At the end, we watch PADI Aware and coral reef conservation videos. We would like to say thanks to the school for this great and wonderful opportunity given to us to involve young people in love for our sea,” he said.
Lessons are usually held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The dive masters give their time on a purely voluntary basis.