Posted by Wayne on January 21, 2002 at 21:13:47:
In Reply to: are we hurting our children? posted by John Walker on January 21, 2002 at 12:13:44:
The theory about the potential for DCS in children causing all sorts of long term maladies is not new. The known relationship of PFOs to DCS trouble from allowing micro bubbles to bypass the narrow passageways of the lungs is well established. The clinical proof that any children have been harmed does not exist. Of course it is kinda hard to get parents to sign their kids up for long term damage testing!
The whole age limit thing is fairly new and the reduction in the minimum age is a reduction in these recent restrictions. I just think it is a cheap shot to continually attack PADI in this way. They are not the only domestic agency certifying kids. And for those who have not seen a Jr C-Card, they do carry restrictions including a maximum depth of 40 fsw for 10 & 11 year olds. The reason is fear of damage caused by DCS.
In another response you stated wrongly that youths could play with compressed air at 9. In truth, youths can play with compressed air at 8. This is in a pool, of course. There are other aspects of this underage activity that are designed to create a "safe" environment. But before we get to hung up on all these little tykes getting killed on scuba, remember the injuries and deaths in youth sports and especially the head injuries in soccer. Scuba, in apropriate controlled doses, is safer than many other activities that our kids do.
Wayne