Eagles Nest to Repeat?

[thatcampbellkid]

If the parents read this, here are some things to think on:

1) Can the he calculate thirds with dissimilar cylinders... on his own?
2) ... Can you? Should your gear fail, are you planning to rely on him to save gas for you? Send little Jimmy on his way without you?
3) Would he know what to do should you choose to do so? Or be capable of executing?
4) Are you willing to accept the affect that experience would have on him the rest of his life? Live yours knowing YOU took his?
5) "It's only cavern!" Yeah, for now... at the age of <10, but what about when he is 12? Jumps? Deco? Solo?

What is the rush to get him down there?
Do you not plan to live long enough to dive next to him a few years from now...?
As 'Tec' Divers, you should both know that all the skills we do ARE necessary and serve purpose. Each change in technique comes after someone died doing something else... and look how far cave diving has come!
I'm no expert. I'm 20 and barely full cave, but I KNOW when I need to opt out of a dive and have much better judgement now (compared to younger years, like 10), and even used it to skip a dive during class this weekend (at peacock). So I KNOW you guys have better judgement!

...if not, leave this on the dash of your black scuba van:
www.IUCRR.org/emergency.html
Larry Green
(cell) 352-359-2650

[Sludge]

(... and if he was the age of twelve to legally dive in a Florida state park).

Where does it say you must be twelve to dive in a state park? Most open water agencies certify Junior Open Water at ten.

[OFG-1]

I'm no expert. I'm 20 and barely full cave...........

Well, it is obvious that not a parent. Right now in this country, a 9 year old can enter competitive snowboarding and skiing. 8 year old, sanctioned go cart racing. Have you seen the mini dirt bikes, or been to a motocross lately? And that does not count gymnastics, karate, kite boards, pee wee football, skateboards, ultralight aircraft, little league, soccer, junior running clubs, jet skis, and turning 10 year olds loose with guns in the woods.

If and when you are a parent, you get to choose how you raise your children (at least until the state takes them), until then, if you said this to me, I would tell you to F.O. really fast.

[mdax]

James, that aquanaut post is pure win, completely relevant..and a gi3 post at that... You win the internet today.

10 seems a bit young, however the kids age is just a symptom; it's most likely dad's lack of common sense and large ego that is in play and most terrifying. Generally these factors point to the fact he'll not listen to anyone's advice.
Did anyone talk to dad?

Maybe dad is just too cutting edge for all of us; put the kid in sidemount 50's, no mount, and he could open up new cave! Think of the possibilities!..

[Sludge]

here's my cavern card from when I was 12.

I was in tenth grade before I hit 5'3", 117 pounds.

[caveflyer]

Well, it is obvious that not a parent. Right now in this country, a 9 year old can enter competitive snowboarding and skiing. 8 year old, sanctioned go cart racing. Have you seen the mini dirt bikes, or been to a motocross lately? And that does not count gymnastics, karate, kite boards, pee wee football, skateboards, ultralight aircraft, little league, soccer, junior running clubs, jet skis, and turning 10 year olds loose with guns in the woods.

If and when you are a parent, you get to choose how you raise your children (at least until the state takes them), until then, if you said this to me, I would tell you to F.O. really fast.

And this is the dilemma of a free society isn't it, at what point do you override the lack of judgement of parents that place their kids in these situations, to protect the child from the parent who has no judgement themselves. I successfully raised two healthy children that now exhibit very good judgement, I have also done some really "hairy ####" myself over the years, however it was done as an adult fully understanding the risks. A nine year old on a motorbike racing around a track or a ten year old in a cavern only knows he's having fun, he does not understand the risks, and it would be typical of an irresponsible parent to tell a more responsible adult to "FO" for trying to protect the child.......

[nakatomi]

The entire family needs to have their cavern/cave cards pulled for this stunt and I further recommend parental counseling.
Way beyond stupid once again....

[sandy]

Scary. Does anyone know if;
1. the ranger was able to talk with the family and
2. if the family had their c-cards(and what the level was) displayed in their vehicle.

[thatcampbellkid]

Well, it is obvious that not a parent. Right now in this country, a 9 year old can enter competitive snowboarding and skiing. 8 year old, sanctioned go cart racing. Have you seen the mini dirt bikes, or been to a motocross lately? And that does not count gymnastics, karate, kite boards, pee wee football, skateboards, ultralight aircraft, little league, soccer, junior running clubs, jet skis, and turning 10 year olds loose with guns in the woods.

If and when you are a parent, you get to choose how you raise your children (at least until the state takes them), until then, if you said this to me, I would tell you to F.O. really fast.

Rightfully so, you're entitled to your opinion, but you would be ignorant to say that this team doesn't pose a danger to the other divers in the area and inconsiderate to carry on.

And yes I have, I grew up as one of those kids. I was a competitive gymnast for several years, a trampolinist, played many contact sports, competed in national rifle and pistol competitions and completed ground school for solo skydiving. None of these activities require an advanced understanding of things, I would compare it to getting your private pilots license. Just because I can maneuver a plane doesn't entitle me to fly it over other people.

[thatcampbellkid]

Where does it say you must be twelve to dive in a state park? Most open water agencies certify Junior Open Water at ten.

I thought I had heard it somewhere recently as a state law, but called this morning and found no such regulation, so I guess the only rules broken were the open water dive at P1 and the depth at Orange...

But as far as I've heard, no one spoke to the father and I did not recall seeing their cards on the dash. They drive a black scuba van with a busted front right light, apparently semi local, but we attempted to find the name of the father to report him to the agency he instructs for (neither of which we know, mothers name might have been Spring?).