World Ocean Day

Recognizing young divers on World Ocean Day

If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you love diving. Many of us wish we had discovered the underwater world at an earlier age and dream of how that may have altered our career paths. The Dutch Caribbean island of Saba makes these dreams come true for its youth! Teenagers not only learn to dive but also get to participate in a special program to dive with scientists during the month of October. This allows them to know what it’s like to be a marine biologist, ecologist, or chemist.

World Ocean Day

World Ocean Day is a time to celebrate the incredible wonders of our oceans and to recognize the vital role they play in sustaining life on Earth. One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the underwater world is through scuba diving… so that’s just what we did!

On Saturday, June 8, the Sea & Learn Foundation teamed up with Sea Saba Dive Center to organize a community outreach event. This event allowed individuals and families in the community to gain exposure to scuba diving in a shallow, protected area while also enjoying food and music. SDI instructors from Sea Saba gave an onshore safety briefing before helping the participants into dive gear for a one-on-one try scuba experience.

Getting An Early Start in Life

A total of 16 people, including 12 kids, experienced the magical feeling of breathing underwater through a regulator for the first time! In total, more than $1,200 was raised to support scuba diving training and marine ecology education for Saba’s youth. After positive reactions from those who tried scuba diving, we hope more kids will be inspired to continue their dive education. The funds raised from the event will help reduce the overall costs associated with obtaining Shallow Water Diver certifications from SDI.

Based on this year’s success, both organizations aim to make this an annual event to boost interest and reduce financial barriers, making Saba’s coral reefs more accessible to its young stewards. Encouraging children and teens to explore the underwater world can spark their interest in marine science and environmental conservation, ensuring that the legacy of ocean protection continues.

Teaching Moment

By teaching more individuals to dive, we empower them to experience and enjoy the blue (and majority) portion of our planet. Engaging young people in underwater activities instills a sense of responsibility and passion for marine conservation, ensuring the next generation is equipped and motivated to protect our oceans.

For more information about scuba diving and environmental outreach on Saba, visit seasaba.com and seaandlearn.org.