Madera Unified students dive into new summer scuba program

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Madera Unified students are getting a unique summer learning experience this year by trading traditional classrooms for scuba gear and underwater challenges.

For the first time, the district is offering a scuba diving course as part of its Summer Squad program, giving middle and high school students an opportunity to learn teamwork, communication and problem-solving while exploring the basics of scuba diving.

At Madera South High School's swimming pool, students Eliseo Garcia and Jaryah Ramirez carefully suited up before entering the water and preparing for a series of underwater challenges under the guidance of instructor Michael Fitzgerald.

"They go into the space structure that they built yesterday, and each room has a different challenge, and they have to go in there and complete that challenge," said Fitzgerald, CEO of California Scuba Center.

Thirty students participated in the weeklong course, which was offered at no cost through Madera Unified. The program combines classroom instruction with practical experience in the pool, allowing students to build skills throughout the week before putting them to the test during a final underwater challenge.

"Throughout the week, they practice different challenges," Fitzgerald said. "In the classroom, they practice certain challenges. We have a team-building classroom, communications."

Communication becomes especially important underwater, where students must work together without speaking. For Ramirez, adapting to the physical demands of diving was another challenge.

"Once you go deeper near the pool, the pressure will go towards your ear, so you will have to blow, and it will be a little hard," Ramirez said.

Suzanne Dudney, director of expanded learning programs for Madera Unified, said the district wanted to provide students with an opportunity many may never have considered.

"We just want them to explore new opportunities to see if this is something that they might want to continue with in the future," Dudney said.

After each challenge, students regroup with instructors to discuss what went well and what they learned from the experience. Fitzgerald said the program is designed to build confidence while exposing students to a new skill set.

His goal, he said, is for students to leave with stronger teamwork and communication abilities, as well as an appreciation for diving.

For Garcia, the experience was one he won't soon forget.

"It's very cool," he said. "Not a lot of kids get to do this. I'm very thankful I got to do this right now."

Students who complete the camp have an opportunity to continue their scuba education. Organizers said participants can pursue full scuba certification for a reduced cost of $100.

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