At Kids Sea Camp, we recognize that many individuals face unique challenges in diving. We have a long-standing commitment to being friendly and accommodating to divers with special needs, ensuring that all certified divers can enjoy the incredible underwater world we cherish. We believe that diving can bring immense joy and personal growth, particularly for those who have faced life’s challenges. Our goal is to support certified special needs divers so they can enjoy diving with their families.

All divers must meet the qualifications outlined in our risk assessment list. Additionally, those with certain medical conditions or risks must obtain clearance from a treating physician before engaging in diving or dive-related activities.

Our Kids Sea Camp agents prioritize listening to clients with special needs divers. We strive to make family vacations easier and more enjoyable. To achieve this, we gather comprehensive, detailed information early in the booking process, enabling us to understand your family member(s) ‘specific needs and expectations. This approach helps us confirm whether we can design a suitable dive trip tailored to your needs. If we can accommodate your needs, our goal is to ensure a stress-free, fun, and enjoyable vacation for all divers.

We are dedicated to matching your family with the right resort, dive shop, or dive instructors that best suit your needs. We care about your experience, and Kids Sea Camp, along with Family Dive Adventures, will make every effort to connect you with services available at select special needs-friendly dive resorts. (See our team)

Please note that Kids Sea Camp provides special-needs services to participants who have been cleared and qualified for diving or dive-related activities.

Here are some of the services we offer:

• Special transfers to and from airports and hotels are available. Not all buses are created equal.
• Private scuba instruction for one-on-one diving with a medically qualified diver (additional costs apply).
• Assistance with diving transfers on and off dive boats.
• Special one-on-one training requests are available (at an additional cost).
• Handicap-accessible rooms, if available at your chosen resort.
• Confirmation that the resort can accommodate your needs once your information and requirements have been provided and approved.
• Direct communication with the resort for additional optional services such as land activities, care, food, or other needs that Kids Sea Camp cannot provide.
• PADI Pro dive buddy available (additional costs apply).
• Refresher courses (additional costs apply).
• Private instructors are available for those who want to dive shallow (additional costs apply).
• Two dive professionals for adaptive diving (additional costs apply).
• Hearing impaired? We have hearing-impaired dive instructors available.
• Wheelchair assistance on and off dive boats is available when applicable.
• Certified divers with ADD or ADHD can request a private instructor or dive master for one-on-one support (additional costs apply).
• Certified divers with high-functioning autism can also request a private dive instructor (additional costs apply).

PADI Medical Forms and Waiver Requirements for Scuba Diving Activities

Please note that Kids Sea Camp does not provide or arrange private daily special-needs care, including non-diving support, feeding, medical needs, or in-water supervision for non-divers. We do not have the capacity or qualifications to offer these services. However, we can help coordinate accommodations, transportation, and meals, and facilitate direct contact with resorts for additional services that may be available.

Risk Factors to Consider for Scuba Diving and Related Activities

Before participating in scuba diving or related activities, it is imperative to understand the associated health risks. A physician’s evaluation is necessary to determine if diving is contraindicated for individuals with the following medical conditions:

1. Severe Risks: Certain medical conditions significantly raise the risk of serious injury or death while diving. These severe risk conditions must be evaluated and discussed with your doctor, as individuals affected by them should refrain from diving. Examples of severe medical conditions include:

•   Asthma
•   Recent heart surgery
•   Severe lung or chest diseases, including COVID-19 (especially if surgery or intubation was involved)
•   Any history of epilepsy, seizures, or the use of medications to prevent them
•   Insulin-dependent diabetes
•    Pneumothorax (collapsed lung), even after preventive surgical procedures
•    Any neurological abnormalities that could lead to unconsciousness
•    Pregnancy

2. Relative or Temporary Risks: Some conditions may moderately increase risk and may still be acceptable in some instances. A physician’s clinical assessment will determine whether diving is contraindicated due to these relative risks. Some of these conditions may be temporary. Significant conditions that may require medical evaluation before diving include:

• Breathing issues, such as frequent or severe hay fever, allergies, colds, flu, sinusitis, recent pneumonia, or bronchitis
• Behavioral health concerns, including mental or psychological issues (claustrophobia, agoraphobia, active psychosis, panic attacks)
• Recurring complicated migraines with cognitive or motor impairments
• Recent episodes of blackouts, fainting, or loss of consciousness
• Head injuries resulting in loss of consciousness within the past five years
• Intracranial tumors or aneurysms
• Frequent or severe motion sickness
• Dysentery or dehydration requiring medical attention
• Previous dive accidents or decompression sickness
• Inability to perform moderate exercise
• Recurrent back issues or a history of back or spinal surgery
• Post-surgery, injury, or fracture complications affecting arms or legs
• High blood pressure or medications to manage it
• History of heart attack, heart disease, angina, heart surgery, or vascular surgery
• Sinus surgery
• Ear diseases or surgery, recurrent ear issues, hearing loss, or balance problems related to the ear
• Hemophilia, bleeding disorders, or other blood-related conditions
• Hernias
• Ulcers or ulcer surgeries
• Previous recreational drug use, alcoholism, or treatment for these issues within the last five years
• Regular use of prescription or non-prescription medications (excluding birth control or anti-malarial treatments)
• High cholesterol levels
• Family history of heart attack or stroke
• Current medical treatment
• Diabetes mellitus, even if managed by diet alone

Always consult with your physician regarding your fitness to dive if you have any of these conditions.