I am all for Bubblemaker which to my mind is different than learning to dive. Great intro for kids.
Of course there is also a level intermediate, above the "bubble maker" and below a fully certified autonomous diver.
Going on very progressively, and starting around 6 years, a child can learn and practice a number of potentially dangerous activities, which are to be practised only under the surveillance of a qualified instructor (I mean, an instructor qualified for teaching to children, as my wife, for example. I do not hold that certification, she is qualified for children).
The activities I am referring to include:
- motocross
- trial
- alpine ski (probably the most dangerous one)
- free climbing
- water ski
- windsurf
- surf
- sailing
- parafly
- free diving
- scuba diving
- canyoning
- kayak
- rafting
Depending on the activity, the age and the experience of the children, it is possible to see also quite high levels of risk being faced by these children.
I have seen extreme risks particular in alpine ski: children aged 6 coming down black tracks at speed of 80 km/h, slaloming between other skiers, making jumps of 20-30 meters, and often falling outside the track and between big trees. There have been a number of serious accidents, and now it is mandatory to wear a full helmet and some protections for youngsters below 18 years when practising alpine ski. Definitely much more dangerous than a tropical dive at, say 10 meters, in crystal-clear water and no current, over a sandy floor...
Our two sons were initiated to a number of these activities starting at 6 years (actually ski at 5 years), and they never had any accident in all of them. A good instructor, good safety rules and a very progressive path without never exposing children to what they are not ready for, ensures to have them enjoying these activities with a reasonable degree of risk.
On the other hand, they both had sever accidents outside these guided and surveilled activities: when going to school on their bicycle or motorbike, when playing football with friends, when drinking too much at a party.
I am quite convinced that keeping our children at zero risk is both impossible and not good for preparing them to the risks of the real life, when they will not be controlled and supervised. And instead it is very useful, when possible, to let our children to be trained in possibly ALL the activities listed above, getting a very precise understanding of the safety rules and of the limits not to be exceeded, on the importance of always following carefully the indication of the instructor.
They learn discipline, self control, and the importance of obeying to rules.
Keeping them at home, playing videogames, in the long run is less safe, as they never face real dangers, and are not equipped for controlling their body and their brains in a stressful, life-threatening situation.
