Scuba diving is a popular sport in South Florida, but for some divers, it means much more than just exploring the underwater world. Kenny Menendez and Sabrina Dionne, both adaptive divers who use wheelchairs due to accidents, find diving to be a transformative experience. Being underwater allows them to feel weightless and experience a sense of freedom they don’t have on land.
Thresher Aquatics, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to introducing people with disabilities to the world of scuba diving. For Kenny, who was an experienced diver before his accident, diving with paddles for his hands has been a way to stay connected to the water. Sabrina, a first-timer, finds the experience easier than expected and loves the feeling of movement and standing up in the water.
The physical and mental benefits of diving are immeasurable for Kenny and Sabrina. Kenny finds that pulling himself through the water helps stretch his body in ways he can’t on land, relieving physical tension. For Sabrina, who used to suffer from chronic pain and anxiety, diving provides a sense of calm and relief that she can’t find elsewhere.
The volunteers at Thresher Aquatics, like Aria Cross, are deeply moved by the experience of helping divers with disabilities explore the underwater world. Thanks to donations, the organization has provided over 750 free dives to date, making the experience accessible to those on fixed incomes who may struggle to afford daily necessities.
Aria Cross, who has been an adaptive dive buddy since the organization started four years ago, cherishes the opportunity to give back and witness the joy that diving brings to participants. Underwater, everyone is equal, and the sense of community and connection transcends physical limitations.
The impact of scuba diving on people with disabilities goes beyond just a recreational activity—it is a life-changing experience that offers a sense of freedom, physical relief, and mental well-being. Through organizations like Thresher Aquatics, individuals like Kenny and Sabrina can access the healing power of the ocean and explore a whole new world beneath the surface.
