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Dive instructor Sarah Bladden of Protech Dive Shop took three lucky youngsters for an underwater adventure like no other.
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The beautiful marine life found off of Ambergris Caye and the country of Belize is one of the primary reasons people travel to our gorgeous shores. In order to really appreciate the magnificence properly “going under” and taking a dive, is what it is all about. The beautiful coral life found at 60-70 feet or at deeper depths is simply extraordinary.
In order to give this appreciation to young Belizeans, Protech Dive Shop, located at the Belize Yacht Club’s dock, started a four-day summer program for kids aged 12-14. Four children accepted the challenge joyfully and even though one of them had to dropout due to circumstances beyond his control, three children, Xiomara Valdez, Ricky Marin and Jason Hernandez, all became certified as Junior Open Water Divers.
The four-day course consisted of learning the fundamentals, including the dive equipment and techniques, going on dives including four open water dives. The course which usually costs more than $400 U.S., was free of charge to the three eager students. Included in the package were the workbooks, manuals, use of equipment, and dives. Dive Instructor Sarah Bladden took the kids on the adventure of a lifetime, showing them the beauty of the underwater world while still being safe.
In an interview with Protech owner Peter Jones he commented to The San Pedro Sun that the reason he chose to offer this course this summer was because diving is such an integral part of what San Pedro is all about. “I wanted to give these young boys and girls the opportunity to enjoy the marine life now. This might steer them to careers involving with the proper care of our ocean or even how to protect it, not to mention becoming guides or instructors themselves.”
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