A 13-year-old scuba diver from Lincoln is set to become a Master Scuba Diver, making him one of the youngest in the UK to achieve the certification.
Alex Ball will be one of the few youngsters in the UK to qualify as a PADI Master Scuba Diver, with 12 being the lowest age people can gain the qualification. The certification is the top rung of the recreational diving ladder.
Alex, who has completed his advanced open water, rescue and first emergency responder courses, has recorded more than 45 open water dives.
He began diving at an after school club, and according Simon Hotchkin from Stellar Divers – Alex’s Divemaster and instructor – he’s got the bug.
“Alex started out with a Discover Scuba Diving in February 2017 at his school and is a fantastic diver. He is strongly committed to diving and it’s lovely to see kids like him come on so well.
“He just needs complete another two specialities – buoyancy and navigation – and then he’ll be a qualified PADI Master Scuba Diver in December.”
Simon and his company encourage young people to try scuba diving, and he’s been surprised at the uptake.
“We work with local academies to get young people into diving. Every year we go to the freshers fair and always have a massive queue!
“We’ve had 40 young people sign up this year to do Discover Scuba Diving courses for November, December and January. They’re so keen to come along,” said Simon.
Find out more about Stellar Divers here: https://www.stellardivers.co.uk/
