A couple of years ago, I blogged here about how diving makes us superheroes (check here if you didn’t see it). Through diving, we “fly” underwater wearing “superhero suits” (exposure suits), and as Ocean Torchbearers™, we’re playing a big part in “saving the day” for the underwater world. Diving’s superpowers include healing, reconnection with nature, personal transformation and more. But there is one huge difference between The Incredibles and us.
Our most important superpowers only work when we share them.
For example, our superpower of saving the ocean has, among other things, helped protect the shortfin mako shark and has grown as a citizen science force that enables research that might otherwise be impossible. Protections happen mainly because the many diver voices PADI AWARE® represents provide clout when talking to governments and businesses. Citizen science that furthers ocean conservation studies (like PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris® surveys and Global Shark & Ray Census) only works when thousands of divers voluntarily contribute to studies no single institution (much less a scientist) could carry out. Research shows that the fact we go diving itself creates an enormous economic incentive to create and expand marine sanctuary areas, which both preserves and restores many environments. Beyond this, the study showed there is a potential to generate more than an estimated US $2 billion annually through scuba fees, local economics and restored fishery populations in adjacent areas.
So, what do we need to do more of to save the ocean? Get more people diving.
Diving’s healing superpower is the same. Its ability to promote healing is well established – ranging from stress reduction to physical and mental therapy for those dealing with challenges – but it can’t help anyone unless someone brings them into diving. That “someone” is us.
While not everyone will (or can) become a diver, a far bigger problem is that there are probably thousands of people who would enjoy and benefit from what diving offers, but they don’t because they have misunderstandings about it. When you share diving with your friends and family, one of our “superpowers” is that we can clear up misconceptions arising from entertainment clichés and social media.
Here are four of the most common.
Misconception: Diving is Dangerous
We correct with: Diving has a safety record better than many other activities, and millions of dives are made annually by people of all ages and from all walks of life with a low accident rate. It has risk (we’re underwater, after all), but by becoming a certified diver, you learn to manage those risks. And a lot of “danger” you see on social media these days is AI-generated nonsense. Refer them here for more details.
Misconception: It Takes a Lot of Time To Become a Diver
We correct with: Like anything worth doing it takes a commitment, but not as much as people often think, and you do a good bit of it through eLearning where and when you want to. Beyond this, PADI Professionals are great at accommodating scheduling needs. But more importantly, the rest of learning to dive is diving. You dive as you learn it, not after.
Misconception: It Takes Me Away From My Family
We correct with: The opposite is true. Diving is a very popular family activity shown to promote deeper relationships. Diving is socially versatile, meaning it suits singles, groups, introverts, extroverts, etc. Plus, PADI Resorts and Dive Centers excel at guiding divers to the events and trips that match their characteristics and preferences.
Misconception: Shark Attacks Are a Major Concern
We correct with: Shark attacks are so rare that more people are killed taking selfies than by sharks. Divers actually like seeing sharks to the extent that in some areas, professionals attract them for divers to watch. Because sharks are critically important to a healthy ocean, as a diver you can even help researchers protect them by reporting the sharks you see.
The PADI Refer-A-Friend program makes now a great time to flex your diving superpowers by bringing new people into diving. The Refer-A-Friend program gives incoming divers you invite 20% off their PADI Open Water Diver eLearning, and gives you 20% off most eLearning continuing education. And when you generate a referral link, you’re entered into a contest to win a dive trip or dive computer – with all links creating double contest entry through the end of 2026. Check here for details. Go here for more thoughts on how to share diving, and connect those you’re bringing to diving with your PADI Dive Center or Resort.
As I’ve noted before, to be superheroes, we have to use our superpowers for good. And considering what diving can do for the ocean and human healing, IMO not sharing diving is a bit selfish.
Seek adventure. Save the ocean.
Dr. Drew Richardson
PADI President & CEO
