10-year-old in the UK qualifies as scuba diver

Diver Tamzin Vickers has become one of the youngest people in the UK to be accredited with a top scuba qualification.

Tamzin, 10, completed her PADI Junior Open Water course, which allows her to dive to depths of up to 12 metres.

Children must be at least ten years old to take the exam, but Tamzin passed the day after her birthday, making her one of the youngest children in the UK to be awarded the qualification.

Tamzin, who is in Year Five at St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, said: “Scuba diving is so awesome, it is so relaxing and there is so much to see.

“I love being underwater. When I am diving, I like to sing to myself and blow air ring bubbles.”

Tamzin was introduced to diving by her parents, Debbie and Terry, who are big scuba enthusiasts themselves.

Karen Wicks, the PADI instructor who conducted Tamzin’s examination, said: “Children cannot take this qualification until they are 10 years old and I don’t pass many children so young.

“However I was really impressed with the level of skills that Tamzin demonstrated.”

Source: www.thisiskent.co.uk