A group of youngsters from Aberdare will be taking part in their first sea open dive in West Wales at the end of July, having qualified at a young age to dive anywhere in the world.

The four youngsters will take the plunge at St Brides after receiving expert tuition in diving as part of a new scuba diving course ‘Discover Scuba’ at Aberdare Pool.

The scuba diving course was developed from a larger Sub Aqua programme introduced at Aberdare this Easter as part of the Welsh Assembly Government Free Swimming Initiative.

Run by qualified PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructor) instructors from A1 Unisex Divers, ‘Discover Scuba’, is aimed at youngsters aged 10 to 16 and ‘Bubblemaker’ is aimed at children aged eight upwards.

Jean Davies, Swimming Development Manager for Rhondda Cynon Taf said: "We are very pleased with the success of the Sub Aqua programme, especially the opportunity for younger children to try scuba diving, which was an instant hit.

"The course covers both theory and practical sessions, and as well as increasing fitness and ability in the water, it develops confidence and is a lot of fun.

"We had so many youngsters coming along, we are hoping that the scuba diving will develop into a regular term-time club," added Jean.

Instructor Sue Fryer who has organised the sea open dive explained: "There are lots of benefits for the children who take part. They have fun and games during training which is the best way to learn, they make friends and they overcome any fears they may have about the first breath under water."

"They will spend all day diving, having picnics and enjoying the underwater world that lies ahead of them, knowing that they will then be qualified at a very young age to dive anywhere around the world as a PADI diver," she added.

Following on from the successful sessions at Aberdare Pool during the Easter and Whitsun holidays, Sub Aqua will again take place during the summer holidays.

For more information visit www.free-swimming-wales.org or phone your local leisure centre.