#ScoopHero2015: Indigo Bolandrini, the Youngest Scuba Diver in the World
Indigo Bolandrini started diving in 2013 at the Orca Dive Club in El Gouna when she was 12 years old and that same year she became the world’s youngest junior master scuba diver. The following year, at age 13, Indigo secured a second world record when she became the world’s youngest side mount diver. Throughout her career, Indigo has completed more than 480 dives and holds over 20 diving certifications, among which she is most proud of the coral reef conservation certificate. Believe it or not, Indigo is only 14 years old, making her not only the world’s youngest junior diver, but also the most experienced!
Indigo grew up in London but she continuously traveled to Egypt throughout her youth. At age 3, Indigo was introduced to the Red Sea and her love affair with the sea and what lies beneath flourished from there. As Indigo says, “I am a true water girl. I always loved the sea, but when I turned 11 I decided to take my adventures further and deeper and it was the best decision I have ever made.”
In addition to Indigo’s unparalleled affection for scuba diving, she is equally zealous for marine environmentalism and spreading awareness about the effects of the human imprint on aquatic life. She nobly and enthusiastically told me that her greatest desire “is to educate people about marine conservation to protect the beautiful coral reefs. The reckless tourist boats are currently ruining the underwater beauty in Red Sea because they crash into the reefs. Also, unprofessional divers leave a trail of mess and even local people litter in the sea. I try to make the most effort possible to stop whoever does this!”
Indigo recently signed a contract with Submerged Sports Ltd., which will act as her manager and help to raise her profile as marine life warrior fighting for conservationism and environmental stewardship. Submerged Sports has planned a number of cleanup dives for the upcoming year and Indigo will be the leader of each of these preservation expeditions. In the past, she participated in Ahmed Gabr’s world-record cleanup dive, during which she was the youngest diver, and likely the most impassioned. She is currently leading wildlife conservation campaigns among young people throughout Egypt and elsewhere (she recently returned from a promotional tour in the UK and US) to prevent the further destruction of coral. She a heartfelt smile, Indigo said, “I want to be like Bindi Irwin marine lifestyle!”
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