Eight youngsters from the Big Lottery Funded Community House community centre reached new depths with help from the Worthing branch of the British Sub Aqua Club.
They enjoyed a free scuba diving session at Worthing’s new Splashpoint pool courtesy of Southern Water, which sponsors the dive club.
The centre, in Dominion Road,Worthing, is run by Worthing Homes and offers a range of activities for young people and adults.
Southern Water nominated it for the try-dive in recognition of its long-standing community work.
The two-hour session started with a safety briefing where the youngsters learned how to set up and check their kit.
They then headed underwater in the shallow pool before graduating to the depths of the diving pool where they learned how to float mid-water and turn cartwheels.
Dive club chairman Roger Clarke said: “It was great fun showing the kids the ropes. They were all really keen and interested although, once their confidence grew, we had trouble keeping up with some of them in the water.
“Two wanted to sign up to join the club on the spot and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves, including the nine members of the dive club who volunteered to help out.”
Emma Wallace, community development worker, from the Community House said: “We couldn’t believe it when Southern Water called us to offer the kids the chance to go scuba diving.
“It’s something none of them have done and they had a great time. We are really grateful to the company and to the Worthing branch of the British Sub Aqua Club for giving them this amazing opportunity.”
The dive club has 65 members aged 16-75 who meet every week.
Next weekend (August 10 and 11) its members will once again provide the safety boat for Worthing Birdman competition.