Rescue diver course questions

[Liz T]

Hi, I'm not sure if actual recommendations are allowed but that's what I am looking for. I have read many posts that the instructor can make this course as valuable as it should be; so would you be willing to share where you took your course if you really enjoyed it?

Second question/issue - my husband and I are older (near 60) - would this course be too challenging physically for us/me? I am a petite female diver. We both have just over 200 dives.

We are located on the east coast of the US but like traveling and are willing to go most anywhere.

Thanks!

 

[Bob DBF]

To answer the second question, I was over 60 and the oldest diver there including instructors. If it it is done right you will push your limits but the instructor won't let a bad situation escalate. Also being an older and more experienced diver usually means you are probably more comfortable in the water and have a better understanding of your own limits than some kid that still thinks they are invincible, it comes in handy.

Rescue gives you more tools to help you be of assistance in an emergency, if you don't notice an issue and head it off before it becomes an emergency. Like anything, you can only do what you can do, but rescue gives you techniques to be more effective. Sometimes just knowing how to direct others can be more important than dragging someone out of the surf singlehanded.

Have fun.


Bob

 

[Landau]

Rescue is about assisting to the best of your abilities. I'd encourage every diver to take it. I used to teach non-diving related aquatic lifesaving courses.and there is lots of overlap - good general skills in both for many situations.

If ever something happens to me, I'd rather my uddy and all the nearby divers had Rescue than not.

Here's a non-diving situation where rescue skills could come handy that happened in my neck of the woods yesterday

Sea lion pulls young girl into water off Steveston Wharf in Richmond, B.C.

 

[paulithepin]

I took the PADI Rescue Course in Panama City Beach, FL where I live. I did it here for convenience, warm water, and most importantly because of the instructor, who I knew and trusted. I thoroughly enjoyed the class, had a lot of fun, and leaned quite a bit about myself. It was the best class I took...until I took,the SDI Solo class earlier this month . Choosing the right instructor is the key to success in my opinion.

The course is physically challenging, but no where near impossible. I was more than twice the age of the other students in my class and did just fine. If you are fit enough to dive at an advanced level you should be fine.

I agree that the mental aspects are even more important than the physical and believe that wisdom comes with maturity. Work smart, not hard.

Find a qualified instructor that you trust and have fun!

 

[Bogtrotter]

I think you will be fine as long as you are in reasonable good shape. Most exercises in the pool involved a lot of talking and fairly minimal swimming or exertion. The open water tests were a bit taxing by the end of the day, but it was nothing someone in decent shape couldn't handle. Experiences do seem to vary a lot with this course though so you are wise to shop around for a good instructor.

 

[TMHeimer]

My experience only:
Age: 52.
The course was 5 days in a row as the instructor had to deploy to Afghanistan.
Mentally quite challenging, both the pool work and the scenarios.
Lots of info. in the manual, kind of like the OW manual in that way. I got 88 on the test.
Physically OK. Nothing that would trigger a heart attack. Most difficult thing was towing victim to shore (poolside) while taking of his unit (well, scuba unit). I had been warned by a shop DM that it was VERY physical.

I read that Rescue varies a lot with instructor, so as advised, check ahead if you have a choice of instructors/shops.
Good luck.

 

[lowflyer]

It can be physically demanding, but one thing you learn is not to endanger yourself in the effort. The standards are not set by a young Olympic swimmer.

 

[Bubblesong]

We took the Padi online Rescue class, then set up practical diving part during vacation cruise ship out of Boston three day stopover at Kings Wharf in Bermuda with Fantasy Divers. I was 53, not skinny, and slung that Stoic and Fearless Dive instructor over my back and hauled him up the beach. Dude deserves a Halo for trusting me to carry him, seriously.

 

[Liz T]

Thanks everyone, yes, I am fairly fit. Now, pleeeaassee help me find a dive shop/instructor. I would hate to just randomly pick a place...

Thanks!

 

[Trailboss123]

Thanks everyone, yes, I am fairly fit. Now, pleeeaassee help me find a dive shop/instructor. I would hate to just randomly pick a place...

Thanks!

Where do you live? Where will you be doing your diving for the most part? I feel like my instructor was the absolute best and changed my life-- but you'd need to go to Portland, Oregon to take advantage.