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Fun Facts About Scuba Diving

Facts about SCUBA - S.C.U.B.A. diving is a fast-growing, recreational sport that can generally be enjoyed by anyone over 12.

It involves specialized training and equipment to safely breathe under water.

Once your scuba diving basics are mastered, you will be able to dive and explore bodies of water anywhere in the world.

More fun facts about scuba - about 70% of the Earth is covered with water, and 97% of that water is salt water – the oceans and seas.

That's another great reason to give scuba diving a try.

Thanks to the world-famous explorer, oceanographer and inventor, Jacques Cousteau, we can easily explore the incredible undersea world.

With training, people of all ages and abilities can safely experience a peaceful yet exhilarating adventure while exploring the wonders under the sea.

My Introduction To Scuba Diving

I was first introduced to the undersea world when I was 10 and on holiday in England. We stopped at a little bay for a rest and I jumped into the Atlantic Ocean for a swim.

Even with just goggles on (and swim shorts!), I was hooked – I wouldn’t leave the water for hours! It was only 8 feet deep and the water was cold – but there was so much to see and discover – it was absolutely amazing!

For years after that, I snorkeled wherever I could. Finally, after wanting to be introduced to scuba diving for years, I signed up for my first scuba diving course to learn the basics of scuba diving - and the rest is history!

What Would you Compare Scuba Diving To?

More Facts About Scuba Diving - I would compare scuba diving to driving a car......

- They both require a license (a drivers license or a Certification card)

- They both require training before and after you have a license

- They both need special equipment

- Both types of equipment require preventative maintenance

- They both take you to amazing places!

- They both require you to follow the rules in order to be safe

- They both could result in an accident if you're not careful

- but, it's fun to drive with a buddy but you MUST dive with a buddy!

Facts About Scuba Diving - Timeline

• People have been fascinated by the mysteries of the oceans for hundreds or even thousands of years, and for just as long people have tried various means to explore under the water’s surface

• In the early 1700’s, diving bells and large, bulky, sealed suits were developed which used air pumped from the surface to allow divers to spend a limited amount of time under the surface at a limited depth

• In the 1940’s, Jacques Cousteau developed the Aqua Lung which allowed for a controlled flow of air under the water from pressurized air tanks

• After several more decades of development and testing, the modern day recreational sport of Scuba Diving was introduced to people around the world

• In 1960, NAUI,the National Association of Underwater Instructors was formed, to develop and teach safe scuba diving techniques

• In 1967, PADI,the Professional Association of Diving Instructors was formed, with a similar goal of ensuring the safety of scuba divers

• Through the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and now into the 00’s, scuba diving equipment has evolved into gear that is better, safer, lighter, streamlined, and much more comfortable to use

• Scuba diving is now a multi-billion dollar recreational family activity, and is continuing to increase in popularity at an exponential rate. Give it a try if you haven't already.

Click to learn more about the P.A.D.I. facts about scuba from the PADI dive association.

Click to learn more about the N.A.U.I. dive association.

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