Scuba Diving

Michaela's class had a field trip last week to a local scuba diving school. When I first heard about this, I couldn't quite believe they would let little fifth graders do this, but they did and it was fun! When they first got there, the instructor gave them a crash course in air pressure and what happens to your lungs under water, telling them very clearly that they were not to hold their breath at any time or else they could pop like the balloon he had drawn on the board to illustrate the concept. The kids were scared, and the moms were terrified, but we continued anyway. These fifth graders were so nervous, some of them even shaking. The instructor had also told them that the big fish in the tank would attack them if they were touched or bothered. I am not sure if this is true, but it certainly worked in getting the kids to leave the fish alone. They were so scared of the fish that if one came remotely near them, they swam the other way!

This is the group Michaela was with. They divided the class into three groups.

Michaela waiting to get into the water, and seeing the fish for the first time. She was a little nervous.

They used the same gear for each group, meaning that Michaela's second group had to use the masks and mouthpieces that the first group had just used, and they didn't clean them in between. I don't know why, gross. Michaela was really grossed out by this....she said "Mom, that is nasty! I don't want to use what was in someone elses mouth!" I can't say that I blame her, but I asked her if she was going to miss this opportunity due to being a germaphobe (like her mom) and she said no.

She put on the mask, and used the mouthpiece, and I think she was so nervous she didn't think much about it after that.

This is after she has all her gear on, doesn't she look so sweet?

This is where they were having them practice breathing.



After they practiced going under water and taking breaths, the instructor took them one by one to the end of the pool and back. I was so proud of Michaela. There were other kids who were so afraid that they wouldn't do it, but Michaela was one of the first to volunteer to go. I know I couldn't do it, I get claustrophobic when I try to snorkel! But Michaela was really brave. I don't know if this is the best picture of the fish, but some of them were over three feet long and very big.

Here she is coming back.

This is when he let them swim around on there own, Michaela is on the right.



All done, and somewhat relieved. She did a great job. I was so grateful to be able to experience this with her, and she was glad to have me there. Before she went in the water, she clung to me and wanted to hold my hand. Then after the dive, she said thanks for coming mom. That made me feel wonderful. After she changed, she couldn't find a sock, so I took off my socks and let her have them. I also gave her my jacket, since for some reason she left her coat at school, and she would be leaving with wet hair. So I left cold and sockless, but happy for the chance to have been there. After they left the diving school, they went to see a movie. A great field trip, and one I'm sure Michaela will remember for a lifetime.