An 11-year-old boy from the UK has managed to break the world record for the most number of scuba dives before the age of 12, despite living far from the sea in an inland area.
According to various media reports, on July 23, Ethan Evans became the youngest diver to complete 130 dives before turning 12. Prior to this, the record for scuba diving for children under 12 was 102 dives. Scuba diving involves diving with an underwater breathing apparatus carried by the diver.
Each of Ethan’s dives can reach a depth of 30 meters, where he often swims alongside tiger sharks and giant groupers. His current goal is to achieve an incredible 150 dives before his 12th birthday in April next year.
“He said, ‘I want to set a very high record with this achievement so that no one can break it,'” Ethan’s mother, Aimee, told the local media. “He is determined now to break his own record which he just set. There is still a long time until next April, so he has plenty of time to achieve this goal.”
This brave young boy from Worcester, Worcestershire, England, started diving at the age of 9 and obtained his open water diver certification just a year later.
With the assistance of his father Paul, a 49-year-old skilled scuba diving instructor, Ethan began his diving journey. Every summer, the father and son duo visit the Maldives to explore the Indian Ocean and add to Ethan’s diving experience.
Aimee mentioned that after each dive, Ethan often has some oxygen left in his tank because he can remain calm and confident underwater for extended periods. The amount of oxygen he returns with is often more than most adults would have.
“He is only 11 years old now. Typically, children of this age can only dive to depths of 10 or 12 meters, but his diving ability is incredibly strong, allowing him to dive to depths of 30 meters,” said the mother of two.
“There aren’t strict rules for this challenge, they often judge your performance based on the amount of oxygen left in your tank underwater.
Ethan aspires to become a diving guide when he grows up, with a focus on helping clean the oceans.
“He and his father often search for metal and plastic waste in the sea that shouldn’t be there. Ethan enjoys diving and cleaning the oceans simultaneously because he wants to protect the marine environment, which he considers important.
“He is very passionate about marine conservation. He walks along the beach and picks up scattered garbage.”