Military kids take plunge into whole new world

Eight young children of serving and ex-serving ADF members have taken the plunge into a new world at the Veterans Dive Initiative’s open water diving course.

CAPTION: Patrick Killen enters the water from Port Noarlunga Jetty as part of the Veterans Dive Initiative open water course. Story and photos by Captain Peter March.

In partnership with Invictus Australia, and run by Major (retd) Tim Prier, the course was delivered by the team at Adelaide Scuba.

Major Prier said the training program was an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices made by veterans’ families and strengthen bonds through shared adventure.

“Too often, the children of veterans are overlooked despite being deeply impacted by their parents’ service,” Major Prier said.

“Having lived both as a child of a serviceman and later as a veteran parent myself, I’ve seen first-hand how military life – long separations, missed milestones, disrupted routines – affects the whole family.”

CAPTION: Jaxon Andrews, left, and Oliver Eylander listen to their instructors prior to their first open water dive.

For participant Elizabeth Kogler, whose parents are serving members, the opportunity came unexpectedly.

“My mum saw the course advertised on Facebook and signed me up,” Elizabeth said.

“I didn’t think I’d ever actually be able to Scuba dive, but when this came up, I thought it’d be a really cool experience.”

The course kicked off with a full day of theory and pool training. Elizabeth admitted the e-learning component was challenging.

“The e-learning was a bit difficult because there was a lot of reading, but the physical training was really good,” she said.

They then went to Port Noarlunga Jetty for shore dives. Conditions were tough, but the young divers adapted quickly.

“It was weird at first, because when I’d go underwater I’d think, ‘I need to go up and get air’, but you get used to it,” Elizabeth said.

The final day was a test of endurance during a rough-seas boat dive, but the team’s resilience shone through.

“Everyone pressed on, showing resilience and determination that truly impressed the team,” Major Prier said.

“Despite challenging conditions, all students – except a couple with ear issues – successfully completed their dives and became certified PADI [Professional Association of Diving Instructors] open water divers.”

The Veterans Dive Initiative is planning future courses, aiming to bring veterans and their families closer together.

 

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