Working with ‘Golden’ Divers by Margo Peyton

Margo Continues Her Series: Working with Seniors

by Margo Peyton, co-owner Kid’s Sea Camp, Columbia, SC

Kids Sea Camps has certified over 8,000 youth as divers and offers travel programs for families and empty nesters.

AS I HAVE NOW OFFICIALLY ENTERED my senior years – it’s hard to believe – I’m grateful that most days I don’t feel my age, but as I continue to dive and create dive vacations that cater to senior divers, its important to know what they need and want to continue to enjoy scuba diving as an enjoyable hobby. Many say, “Diving keeps the spirit young.” Staying fit both mentally and physically is more important than ever as divers age. My husband Tom and I are now in the 60s club, and as we’ve been leading trips for the better part of 25 years, our demographic of customers has drastically changed.

The kids from 25 years ago who were learning to scuba dive with their parents who are now adults, some in their 30s like my own kids, and many of them are now having their own children. We’re seeing three generations of divers, and the question arises: What’s keeping them diving? Here are several key points to consider for dive operators and industry professionals looking to engage and retain this vital group (based on interviews with the senior divers who continue to dive with me in their 70s and beyond). Senior divers bring wisdom, loyalty, and a deep passion for the ocean that can inspire younger generations.

By catering to their evolving needs, dive shops, resorts, and operators can foster lifelong participation, create multi-generational experiences, and ensure the industry’s growth. Below are best practices drawn directly from their feedback, designed to make diving accessible, enjoyable, and safe for seniors.

1. Valet Diving Services: Meet seniors at the door with personalized assistance. If they’re interested in purchasing gear, recommend lighter travel BCDs, titanium regulators, and leave the heavy brass systems for younger divers. Seniors want lightweight, easy-to-pack and travel-with gear that’s comfortable and streamlined, such as hoseless regulator systems and light, easy-to-read computers.

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2. No Gear Lugging: Older divers appreciate exceptional customer service, which means having their gear picked up, set up, and cared for before and after each dive. This includes changing gear between dives on boats offering multi-dive trips. They appreciate having their gear put on the boat, removed from the boat, rinsed and ready for the next day’s diving. This includes hanging wetsuits up for them, and having them hung and dry as well.

3. Easy, Calm Conditions with Attentive Dive Guides: Provide dive guides who pay attention to senior divers’ needs without singling them out for being a bit slower or needing extra time. Opt for drift diving, going with the current, and choosing sites with the best visibility. Dives that are less physically challenging and more relaxing. Seniors that I talk with are not looking to be dive ninjas. They tell me they enjoy traveling and diving with me because they feel well cared for in these environments, and their needs are considered in dive site choices.

4. Avoid Packed Boats: On the top of their list for ease, fun, and comfort in diving, they state they do not appreciate packed boats. They want space to get into their gear without being pinched between other divers, and they dislike long waits getting in and out of the water. Being on a dive site crowded and packed with other divers is no fun and just not worth the effort or the money spent.

5. The Little Things: Dry Towels and Thorough Briefings: Having a dry towel available after each dive, and providing detailed dive and safety briefings, including emergency protocols by confident and capable staff, and making sure everyone feels prepared and ready with the dive plan.

6. Warm Water Diving with Good Visibility: Prioritize destinations and sites featuring warmer water, and excellent visibility, which reduces physical strain and enhances diver enjoyment.

7. Easy, Sensible Dive Entries: Facilitate simple giant stride entries off the back of the boat in calm conditions for an easy stress-free start to the dive.

8. Assisted Gear Removal and Easy Exits: Assist with gear removal before exiting the water, and ensure easy exits with a comfortable and safe ladder.

9. Site Selection for Enjoyment: Select dive sites and destinations better suited for their level of enjoyment, avoiding crazy currents, big swells and chop. Opt for easier-to-dive wrecks or reefs, and sites with specific things to experience like grouper aggregations, coral spawning or photography opportunities.

10. Trip Coordinator: Have a dive trip coordinator for assistance with setting up and accompanying trips, such as resort trips. Use a dive travel expert who can assist with hotel packages and offer AARP or senior discounts. Maybe host a senior dive day or dive trip, where seniors are especially catered to during that time frame. Give grandparents an opportunity to dive with grandkids. Many seniors are continuing to dive so they can share their passion and their history of diving with their grandkids.

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In conclusion, engaging senior divers isn’t just about accommodations – it’s about honoring their legacy in the sport while making it feasible for them to continue exploring the underwater world gracefully. By implementing these practices, dive operators can build stronger communities, encourage family traditions, and keep the passion for diving alive across generations. As someone who’s witnessed and facilitates this evolution firsthand, I can attest that these adjustments can lead to big rewards: happier divers, repeat business, and a thriving industry for all ages.

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