Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center now offers scuba diving instruction to the public at its Aquatics Center in Greenfield, N.H.

"This began as an offshoot of our rehabilitation program," says Caitlin McPherson, coordinator of the aquatics program at Crotched Mountain. "We had a client who had been a scuba diver, and we started the lessons as part of his therapy."

From there, Crotched Mountain employee and scuba-diving enthusiast Michael Kraskouskas undertook the challenge of becoming a certified scuba instructor through the Professional Diving Instructors Corporation. He then went on to teach two students from Crotched Mountain School to dive.

"Now that we have Mike as a certified instructor, we're able to offer classes to the public," says McPherson.

Scuba diving attracts a wide variety of people, according to McPherson. "Some people look at the thrill of exploring a new world under the water. Some make careers out of diving, while others become divers for rescue efforts."

And while scuba diving is viewed by some as an "extreme" sport, you don't need to be athletic, other than an ability to swim. "As we have proven up here at Crotched Mountain, scuba can be modified so that even people who can't walk can still participate and gain a sense of freedom and self worth," says McPherson. "When you are in the water there is no weight bearing on your muscles, so you are able to accomplish things you would otherwise not be able to do."

Crotched Mountain's scuba diving course consists of six three-hour classes, followed by 12 hours of open-water diving in nearby lakes and ponds. In the future, McPherson hopes to expand the program to offer ocean dives, deep-water dives, and night dives.

Crotched Mountain provides equipment such as tanks and regulators, though participants do have to purchase their own snorkel, mask, and fins.

In addition to scuba instruction, Crotched Mountain offers a wide variety of aquatics programs including American Red Cross swimming lessons for ages 6 months to adult, water fitness classes, adult lap swimming, family swim time, and American Red Cross instruction to become a lifeguard or water safety instructor.

"We also rent out the pool for birthday parties and other events," says McPherson. "A lot of people don't realize how many programs we offer to the public, but we're basically here from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. We even have people come in here to practice rolling their kayaks!"

For complete information on the scuba classes or other aquatics classes available at Crotched Mountain—including cost and schedules—visit crotchedmountain.org on the Internet or contact the aquatics department at 547-3311, extension 1870.

About Crotched Mountain
Crotched Mountain is a charitable organization whose mission is to serve individuals with disabilities and their families, embracing personal choice and development, and building communities of mutual support. Crotched Mountain provides specialized education, rehabilitation, community, and residential support services for more than 2,000 consumers, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly, living in New England and New York. For more information about Crotched Mountain, please visit http://www.crotchedmountain.org/.

(END)