Photo of scuba diver with shark by Walter Torres via Pexel
Swimming with sharks is the last activity most mothers would like their child to do including Molly Peters’ mom. Peters, however, is fascinated with the idea of seeing a shark on one of her underwater excursions as a scuba driver. She does add that she hopes it’s not a hungry shark.
Peters is from Southern California and is studying Journalism at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, but despite her college major she still hopes to become a scuba diving instructor, too.
It all began when she had an uneventful job as a receptionist at a car dealership. Like all creepy advertisements catered to our subconscious while we browse for online content, she came across an ad for scuba diving. Peters says that getting certified is easy and she did most of the required reading while at work. It was the perfect plan and after lots of reading, an eight-hour swimming pool test, and two dives later she became a certified scuba diver.
“It’s such a different experience being able to stay under the water for such a long time. The sounds are so calming and peaceful. Everything moves slower,” says Peters.
She explains that it is mandatory that you stay calm and relaxed so you don’t use up all of your oxygen, among other things. The demanding discipline of controlled breathing to remain calm has made diving a therapeutic activity for Peters. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic scuba diving supplies have surged and finding dives to join has become more difficult. A Mexican diving expedition she was really looking forward to went from costing $4,000 to $6,000 post-pandemic. The trip has been postponed until the prices normalize.
Being fairly new to the hobby she has signed up to dive with random people given that none of her friends share her interest. According to Peters, the diving community is made up of mature professionals who are welcoming and excited to teach novice divers. Trusting your partner while diving is crucial because you must double-check each others’ equipment and rely on one another in cases of emergency.
“Sometimes, if you go up too fast and you don’t do it properly, your lungs could expand too much and explode,” say Peters.
Other consequences consist of Nitrogen poisoning also known as, “the bends.” Which
results from relieving significant underwater pressure in a short amount of time. All of which
you learn about in the required reading prior to being certified.
Peters encourages others to get certified and pursue this rewarding hobby. She says the only thing that would make scuba diving better is if she could share the experience with one of her friends or family members. Her mother is out of the question. In fact, she doesn’t like to worry her and doesn’t tell her when she is going on a dive. Other family members admire her hobby, but not enough to join her yet.
Exploring the the ocean for a friendly shark may not be the most appealing, but Peters’ encouraging attitude definitely makes scuba diving seem attainable. She describes the quietness of the ample underwater environment seemingly space-like which makes sense given the comparable breathing restrictions.
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