Northampton’s Youngest Master Scuba Diver
Image: Northampton Chronicle
In the heart of Northampton, a young prodigy has been making waves, quite literally! Meet Zak Egan, a 12-year-old schoolboy who’s just become the UK’s youngest Master Scuba Diver, a title he earned on his birthday. Not only is this an incredible achievement for someone so young, but Zak is also the youngest person globally to accomplish this feat in cold water.
Zak, a Milton Keynes resident, has been diving since he was eight years old. His journey began with the bubble maker course, and by ten, he was a qualified scuba diver. His passion for underwater exploration has seen him dive around small wrecks in the Mediterranean Sea, a lost sunken city in Naples, and the Grottos off Nerano, on the Amalfi Coast.
On his 12th birthday, Zak completed his Advanced Open Water qualification with a deep dive down to 21 metres. This involved performing exercises dealing with a distressed diver and finding a missing buddy at the bottom of Stoney Cove, in Leicester. He even managed to bring an ‘unconscious’ adult diver to the surface, showcasing his skills and dedication to the sport.
Zak’s father, Andy Egan, also a Master Scuba Diver, shares his son’s passion for diving. The father-son duo often go out together, keeping each other safe and enjoying their shared hobby. Andy proudly stated that Zak’s younger age made his achievement even more impressive, considering the challenges of fitting the kit and dealing with varying water conditions.
Zak’s love for diving doesn’t stop at the UK’s shores. He’s already planning his next adventures, hoping to dive between the tectonic plates in Iceland and explore the underwater worlds of Egypt and the Maldives. With 57 dives under his belt, this young adventurer is just getting started.
Zak’s story is a testament to the extraordinary talent we have right here in Northampton. His passion for diving, his dedication to mastering the sport, and his ambition to keep pushing boundaries is truly inspiring. Here’s to Zak, Northampton’s youngest Master Scuba Diver, and his many more diving adventures to come!
