New partnership aims to help dive centres introduce more young people to underwater exploration, marine conservation and lifelong ocean education.
Scuba Schools International (SSI) and the Guy Harvey Foundation have announced a new partnership designed to introduce more young people to the underwater world and encourage the next generation of divers and marine conservationists.
The initiative, called Get Kids Salty, is scheduled to launch in 2027 and will bring together SSI’s international diver training network with the Guy Harvey Foundation’s experience in marine science, conservation and youth education.
The programme aims to give SSI Training Centres and diving professionals practical ways to engage children and families through ocean education, community activities and introductory diving experiences.
Creating the Next Generation of Divers
One of the challenges facing the recreational diving industry is attracting younger participants and helping them develop a lasting connection with the underwater environment.
Get Kids Salty is intended to address that challenge by supporting dive centres in developing structured youth programmes that combine environmental awareness with opportunities to explore the underwater world.
The partnership will connect SSI’s existing Explorers programme with educational and conservation resources from the Guy Harvey Foundation.
Activities could include youth camps, school outreach, partnerships with community organisations and family-focused educational events.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on diving qualifications, the initiative places an emphasis on introducing young people to the importance of healthy marine ecosystems and encouraging a continuing interest in ocean conservation.
Bringing Conservation Education Into Dive Centres
The Guy Harvey Foundation is a nonprofit organisation supporting marine conservation, scientific research and education.
Through its partnership with SSI, the foundation will help diving professionals develop programmes that make marine science and conservation more accessible to younger audiences.
Dr Tonya Shearer, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Guy Harvey Foundation, said the initiative is intended to create lasting relationships between dive centres, young people and their communities.
“Kids who become excited about the ocean today will become the divers, professionals, and conservationists of tomorrow,” said Dr Shearer.
The organisations also recognise the commercial importance of youth participation to the long-term sustainability of the diving industry.
By developing activities for children and families, training centres may be able to establish stronger community relationships while creating opportunities for future diving participation.
Get Kids Salty at DEMA Show 2026
SSI and the Guy Harvey Foundation are introducing the initiative to diving professionals during DEMA Show 2026.
Visitors can learn more about the programme at the HEAD Watersports stand, Booth 1629.
Dr Shearer is also scheduled to lead two seminars explaining how dive businesses can establish youth programmes, develop community partnerships and introduce ocean conservation activities into their existing operations.
The sessions, titled Get Kids Salty: How to Build the Next Generation of Divers, Ocean Advocates, and Lifelong Customers, are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, 3 November, 4:00–5:00 pm
- Thursday, 5 November, 1:00–2:00 pm
Both sessions are listed for the HEAD Watersports Seminar Room 271.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Although the initiative is being introduced to industry professionals at DEMA Show, its longer-term significance lies in how participating dive centres use the programme within their local communities.
Introducing children to the marine environment through education, conservation activities and age-appropriate underwater experiences could help establish a stronger connection between the diving industry and the next generation.
For SSI and the Guy Harvey Foundation, Get Kids Salty represents an opportunity to combine diver education with a broader effort to encourage ocean awareness from an early age.
Further information is available through SSI and the Guy Harvey Foundation.
