In a pioneering initiative, top-performing students from government schools in Cuddalore district are getting the opportunity to learn scuba diving for the first time through a camp organised and fully sponsored by the District Administration.
The 12-day residential camp conducted by Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), in neighbouring Puducherry, brings together as many as 27 Plus Two toppers from underprivileged backgrounds, giving them hands-on experience in scuba diving, kayaking and free diving.
The camp, which began last week at Temple Adventures, has attracted 27 boys who emerged with flying colours in their Plus Two exams.
According to Cuddalore District Collector, Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar, “During summer holidays, we noticed that students, especially those in government schools, are often not engaged in any productive activities. A few parents also expressed concern that students spend most of their time on mobile phones. Many government school students, particularly those from rural backgrounds, are not exposed to such activities.”
He added, “This initiative is mainly targeted at students of Class 10, Plus One and Plus Two. For them, it is an entirely different world and we want to introduce them to these new possibilities. They will not only be equipped with new skillsets but will also gain confidence to try new experiences.”
The 12-day programme covers scuba diving, ocean ecosystem awareness, dive equipment familiarization, confined water training, open water training sessions, ocean dive experience, underwater communication, and buoyancy.
It also includes six days of surfing training, and six days of Kayaking. The selected students are trained on ocean conservation and environmental awareness, introduced to free diving, sustainable fishing awareness, beach clean-up activities, alternate career pathways and workshop on non-conventional careers.
The objective of this session is to expose the students to life-saving techniques, environmental responsibility, marine and water-based career opportunities, leadership and confidence development.
The entire programme is funded by the district administration through government resources and various development funds.
According to A. Thivagar, director of Temple Adventures, “Initially, the students were very sceptical because most of them didn’t know how to swim. But the training module was designed with beginners in mind. The first day focused entirely on survival swimming and floating techniques. Students practiced in controlled environments before gradually progressing to more challenging settings. The students also experienced surfing at Serenity Beach and Kayaking at a private island, navigating open waters. The trainers emphasise that scuba diving is not just an adventure sport but a career pathway with global demand.”
Beyond adventure, the students are also trained as Emergency First Responders, learning CPR, first aid, and emergency response protocols. As scuba diving training resumes, the students are also preparing for deep dives. Upon completion, they will receive PADI certification, opening doors to adventure and employment, Mr. Thivagar added.
For Nitish Kumar, a Plus Two topper from the Government Model School in Cuddalore, it was the first time he had seen the ocean up close and the programme was full of learning and excitement.
“We learnt how to use the scuba diving gear before heading to the ocean. The programme also included a comprehensive theory session following which we entered the sea at 12-foot-depth for the first time. The instructors taught us how to observe fishes and it was a real adventure. The programme also included Kayaking training on a nearby lake and emergency response procedures.” he said.
Published – June 01, 2026 07:36 pm IST
