Blind veterans experience underwater world with free scuba diving lessons

A 62-year-old Army veteran and retired diver has been using his scuba diving experience and knowledge to provide free scuba diving lessons for blind military veterans through the Veterans Dive Locker programme.

Dan Anderson set up the non-profit programme to introduce blind former soldiers to the wonders of the underwater world. "I wanted to do something to give back," Anderson explained. "I thought a lot of the returning veterans could use this kind of rehab and activity."

Darryl Goldsmith is one of three disabled military veterans to take part in the programme and enjoy free scuba diving lessons. The 49-year-old Marine Corps veteran was blinded in the 1980s when a gas mask failed during chemical warfare training but he hasn’t let his disability get in the way of his dreams and he has already started asking Anderson about scuba diving holidays in the Gulf of Mexico where the sunken wreck of the former Navy aircraft, Oriskany, lies.

"Hey, I'd love to do it someday. You gotta love a challenge,” he said.

Anderson is hoping that the Veterans Dive Locker programme will go on to help injured soldiers who have been serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as offer lessons to veterans who suffer from traumatic brain injuries and post traumatic stress syndrome.

Bill Dixon, an 81-year-old former Army artillery soldier who spent time serving in Korea and is blind and almost completely deaf, says he is ready to jump in at the deep end.

"I'm willing to accept any challenge," Dixon said. "I do not have an emotion that calls for fear. If it sounds like something that most people might be afraid of, I'm ready to go."

Dive Pros lets Anderson and his students use their pool and scuba diving equipment free of charge. One of Dive Pro’s owners, Kerry Freeland, explained: "We trained Dan as an instructor, and his goal was to give back to veterans. We think it's a noble cause and we support the troops as well. So we're in."

The third participant, 44-year-old Paul Kaufman, is legally blind, but still has some sight left. The Air Force veteran gained scuba diving experience before he lost his sight in the 1990s due to a hereditary medical condition.

"The biggest difference is seeing the gauges. But water amplifies what you see, so I can see a bit better underwater," he commented.

If all three veterans want to become certified disabled divers, they can receive 40 hours of instruction to complete the course. Anderson also completed a course to teach disabled divers so that he can be involved in their journey. Once certified, the divers will be able to go on to explore exotic scuba diving destinations.

Goldsmith is planning to return for more diving lessons and is encouraging other veterans to get involved in the programme.
"We need to be more active," he said. "This is good for us mentally and physically. I was getting obese. I used to be a disabled water-skiing champion and a snow skier. Now, I'd like to be a search-and-rescue scuba diver."