<p>I haven't noticed any glaring maintenance issues at the UCs I've been to (which is most of them) and in fact, many are building new structures and expanding like mad.</p>
<p>thats good to hear uC-dad-</p>
<p>While I don't think the OP has specified why the interest in oceanside schools- D is planning to study bio- with a marine science concentration & is already planning a Marine science-biology trip to Eastern Australia next summer ( with the help of some teachers at her high school)</p>
<p>She has done just a little snorkleing and surfing in Hawaii
( on another school trip- when she was in middle school)
* funny- when I was in school- my favorite field trip was to the Carnation dairy- because we recieved an ice cream at the end!*</p>
<p>She works to raise money for the trips though- they do fundraisers and she works in the neighborhood.</p>
<p>She knows for Marine science, she will need to know her way around a boat, as well as how to dive- so we figured we might as well get her started-( and it will come in handy in Australia)</p>
<p>( I am not that ambitous- but it may start me swimming again & I am sufficently modest to realize actual lessons might even be a good idea.)</p>
<p>EK - check into the school your gal will be attending to see if they offer scuba as a class/elective - my gal has achieved Dive Master thru electives - has been on some great school trips and club trips for spring break etc...... She loves it and wants to go further I think</p>
<p>With this interest area, and given that she plans to go to Oz, I highly recommend that she pursue scuba diving. JeepMOM's idea of taking it at the school she ends up attending is a good one but if your D is enthusastic, she can always take a beginning course now and expand later in college. Scuba requires lessons to be able to buy air and most importantly, to be safe. There are a number of levels as well such as standard rec diving, night diving, advanced diving with navigation, enclosed area diving (caves, wrecks), etc.</p>
<p>As an ex Red Cross water safety instructor - I say go ahead and take swim lessons. When in HS I used to teach adults to swim and to improve their skills so don't feel you're the only one. If you don't swim much or haven't had formal lessons, you'd be surprised at how much easier and more efficient it is to swim after being taught the correct strokes and breathing techniques.</p>
<p>f you don't swim much or haven't had formal lessons, you'd be surprised at how much easier and more efficient it is to swim after being taught the correct strokes and breathing techniques.</p>
<p>Thats what I figured
and it will be something fun I can do with her this winter while she waits for track season to start.- </p>
<p>D is actually going to take scuba here in seattle- to prepare for diving off the Barrier Reef when her group goes to Australia in the summer ( Im not going- she is quite adamant- but after I saw what the temps were- I thought I would rather go to Hawaii in our winter- than Australia in theirs ;) )</p>
<p>She is also on swim team- for the first time- also as preparation for her trip , and she wants to get certificated as a lifeguard- the friend who encouraged her to join swim team is also a lifeguard- which is a nice job for teens</p>
<p>What I don't understand though is the difference between PADI or NAUI certification- it sounds like the training is different as well.</p>
<p>I don't mean to take the thread off track
but!
what an interesting EC to have ;)</p>