SDI Future Buddies Program
Kids' Scuba · Ages 8 to 12 · Pool Only, Max 20 ft
Kids are naturals in the water, and this is the program that turns that into real diving. Future Buddies gives 8 to 12 year olds their first taste of scuba in the pool, with an instructor right beside them the whole time. They'll learn how the gear works, how to breathe underwater, and how to move around, all in water no deeper than 20 feet. It's built to be safe, hands-on, and a lot of fun, whether your kid is dreaming of becoming a marine biologist or just loves being in the pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child have to be?
Future Buddies is for kids ages 8 to 12. Eight and nine year olds can join with a parent's consent, which follows SDI's own standard for the program.
How old does my child have to be?
Future Buddies is for kids ages 8 to 12. Eight and nine year olds can join with a parent's consent, which follows SDI's own standard for the program.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
Yes. Some comfort in the water and basic swimming ability matter here, since they'll be moving around the pool in gear. They don't need to be on a swim team, just able to handle themselves in the water.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
Yes. Some comfort in the water and basic swimming ability matter here, since they'll be moving around the pool in gear. They don't need to be on a swim team, just able to handle themselves in the water.
How deep do they go?
Never deeper than 20 feet, and only in the pool or confined water. The whole program is built to stay shallow, controlled, and supervised.
How deep do they go?
Never deeper than 20 feet, and only in the pool or confined water. The whole program is built to stay shallow, controlled, and supervised.
Do they need any scuba experience?
None at all. Most Future Buddies have never breathed underwater before, and the instructor starts from the very beginning.
Do they need any scuba experience?
None at all. Most Future Buddies have never breathed underwater before, and the instructor starts from the very beginning.
What does the session include?
The session and all the scuba gear your child needs, including mask, fins, and snorkel. You just send them with swimwear, a towel, and a dry change of clothes.
What does the session include?
The session and all the scuba gear your child needs, including mask, fins, and snorkel. You just send them with swimwear, a towel, and a dry change of clothes.
Is an instructor with them the whole time?
Always. Every Future Buddies session runs under the direct supervision of an active SDI instructor, and kids only dive within the limits they trained in.
Is an instructor with them the whole time?
Always. Every Future Buddies session runs under the direct supervision of an active SDI instructor, and kids only dive within the limits they trained in.
What happens after they finish?
Graduates can keep diving in similar shallow, supervised conditions with an SDI instructor. When they're older and ready for a full certification, we'll help them take the next step.
What happens after they finish?
Graduates can keep diving in similar shallow, supervised conditions with an SDI instructor. When they're older and ready for a full certification, we'll help them take the next step.
Can siblings or friends do it together?
Definitely. Kids often do better with a buddy, and it turns the whole thing into an underwater play date. Sign them up for the same session.
Can siblings or friends do it together?
Definitely. Kids often do better with a buddy, and it turns the whole thing into an underwater play date. Sign them up for the same session.
Ages 8 to 12, and 8–9 year olds are welcome with parental consent, per SDI standards. Loving it and want more? Explore the Youth Scuba Program.
