"Learning to dive is better than loafing in the street"

"Learning to dive is better than loafing in the street" is a program based on Scuba Rangers, intended for children aged 8 to 12 and partially funded by the city of Zagreb.

The City office for health, labor, social security and defenders called for tenders in the area of socially relevant programs and, upon recognizing the value, attractiveness and benefits of our program, granted a donation. Children were informed over the internet, by school posters and flyers, as well as by word of mouth, so we had 10 participants for this program in no time.

Other applicants can complete the diving course at their own expense, taking advantage of the 10% discount, or wait for the next year's donation for free diving courses.

Diving school lessons are held during two weekends at the Winter pool Mladost, Trg Krešimira Čosića 10., Zagreb, including theoretical lessons and pool practice. Children easily acquire new knowledge and skills through games.

All the participants are awarded diplomas and divers' brevets, upon which they can become club members for a symbolic membership fee.

Members can rent diving gear FOC and join us at the pool during winter or at the summer divers' camp in Solaris near Šibenik.

Diving program for children with special needs

The diving program for children with special needs is being conducted at the Winter pool Mladost, Trg Krešimira Čosića 10 for the past two years thanks to the co-funding by the Croatian Ministry of family, defenders and intergenerational solidarity. The program is also partially funded by the club.

The Diving program for children with special needs has been devised by the diving club Vertigo and then assessed and accepted by the expert commission for awarding donations of the Croatian Ministry of family, defenders and intergenerational solidarity, upon which funds were awarded for its realization. Having proved its exceptional quality during the first year, the number of children participating in the program was increased the following year, as well as the amount donated by the ministry.

The selection of potential participants in the program was carried out by experts and medical staff from Centers (listed below), upon which recommendations for children considered to be able to join the program were issued according to medical diagnosis and expert opinions.

Children from the following Centers participated in the program:

1. Center for education Dubrava, children suffering physical handicaps
2. Center for education Prekrižje, children with minor mental retardation
3. Center A. G. Matoš, children with behavioral disorders
4. Children's center Zagreb, abandoned children.

Past results have shown improvement of motor skills, increased mobility, improvement of bodily balance and increased self-confidence. Furthermore, there were evident benefits in the field of psychomotor development, cognitive functions, socialization, interpersonal and family relationships. The results were particularly convincing with persons suffering development problems, hyperactivity, attention disorders and neurological conditions.