Bubbles for Vets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a veteran dedicated to providing enriching scuba diving experiences and certifications to veterans with disabilities and their families in Tampa, Florida. These disabilities can be physical or psychological (PTSD).

Research has shown that adaptive scuba diving provides physical, mental health, and social benefits. The weightlessness experienced underwater can alleviate joint pressure, increase mobility, and reduce pain experienced by disabled veterans wounded in combat. The serene underwater environment has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Bubbles for Vets is unique because we offer scuba diving experiences to the veteran’s family unit to strengthen familial bonds and foster a sense of unity and connection. By participating in a shared adventure, families create cherished memories, build trust, improve communication, and rediscover the joy of spending quality time with one another. The all-volunteer staff of SCUBA Instructors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and counselors spend the entire time working through any roadblocks the Veterans and their families are experiencing. We also offer families who participate in our program with 12 months of free family counseling after the scuba diving experience.

It costs approximately $6,000 to sponsor a disabled veteran and their family to cover the expenses of providing a veteran family with everything they need to participate in the scuba diving experience. This includes the cost of roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation, scuba diving equipment, adaptive scuba diving equipment, scuba diving certifications, and counseling services.

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