Dive4Vets

Dive4Vets was established to help bring independence back to our combat wounded service members, and water is the great equalizer. Learning to dive has long lasting therapeutic benefits that brings that sense of independence back to our service members. Increased serotonin levels also contribute to the emotional benefits of therapeutic scuba diving. Rehabilitative scuba not only aids physical recovery, but can also improve veterans mental health to such an extent that the symptoms of PTSD are often alleviated. Diving also helps ease the mental trauma of finding oneself suddenly physically handicapped; for many soldiers, the realization that losing a limb doesn’t necessarily preclude them from adventurous pursuits is key in restoring self-confidence. Diving is a catalyst as a confidence booster. It’s tough for someone physically active to come home missing a limb or two and not be able to do the things they used to enjoy. Then they discover they can dive as well as anyone else. Underwater, decreased pain and increased quietude allow veterans to focus on their recovery and regain a sense of control over their future. Most importantly, diving is a natural antidote to the sense of isolation that often afflicts wounded soldiers. Many veterans suffering life-altering injuries attest to the difficulty of reintegrating with society and family on their return home, but the inclusiveness of the dive community and the close bond of the buddy system help them to overcome feelings of social detachment. Dive4Vets offers scuba classes in the warm south Florida waters for wounded veterans, and their families. We also organizes dive trips to destinations like Bimini, Grand Bahama, Freeport, and other tropical locations.