Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest guideline, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. LegacyDiver1992 (talk) 21:00, 27 February 2026 (UTC)
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Ralph D. Erickson (June 25, 1922 – May 25, 2006) was an American educator, swimming coach, and scuba diving instructor. He was a co-founder and the first president of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).[1]
Early life and education
editErickson was born in South Dakota and later grew up in Chicago, Illinois.[1] He attended the University of Southern California on a swimming scholarship before his education was interrupted by military service during World War II.[2] After the war, he enrolled at Northwestern University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1949 and a master's degree in education, Counseling, and Guidance in 1953.[2]
Military service
editCoaching career
editScuba diving and PADI
editIn 1959, Erickson founded the Erickson Underwater Swimming School.[1] In 1961, he became one of the early instructors certified by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).[4]
In 1966, Erickson and John Cronin founded PADI in Morton Grove, Illinois.[1] Erickson served as the organization's first president.[4]
During his tenure, PADI developed a modular training structure for diver certification.[4] In 1967, Erickson launched The Undersea Journal, a trade publication for scuba instructors.[5]
Later life and death
editHonors
editErickson was inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame.[6]
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "PADI Family Mourns Loss of Co-Founder Ralph Erickson". Scuba Diving Magazine. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Rising Above & Below the Water: The Story of Loyola University Head Coach Ralph Erickson". Collegiate Water Polo Association. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Loyola University Head Coach Ralph Erickson's Connection to D-Day". Collegiate Water Polo Association. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- 1 2 3 "PADI History". PADI. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- ↑ "PADI Through the Decades – The 1960s". PADI Pros Blog. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- ↑ "Ralph Erickson – International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame". International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. Retrieved 27 February 2026.