Underwater exploration without leaving campus

Carolyn Kapaska

Have you always wanted to try scuba diving, but can’t afford a tropical vacation? Well, Scuba Club has the answer for you.

“Try Scuba is our fund-raiser which allows people to put on scuba equipment and actually swim around with it on,” said Pam Parker, president of Scuba Club.

Try Scuba will be held tonight at the Beyer Hall swimming pool from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Parker said the Scuba Club will open up the pool, give a quick overview of scuba diving, discuss scuba safety and put the gear on the participants. The certified members of Scuba Club will then take everyone underwater with the equipment on.

“They will get a chance to learn to breathe underwater with the scuba gear on,” Parker said. “I think it is important for people to try it now because if you go on vacation you would know how to go underwater without spending money on lessons,” she said.

Parker said learning to dive in a swimming pool would provide a more relaxed atmosphere than learning in the ocean. “You’d be surprised at how many people are scared,” she said.

Scuba Club is conducting Try Scuba to raise money for next year’s budget. Parker said in order for Scuba Club to receive any money from GSB next year, the club has to raise $1,000 by the fall.

“We need money to keep the club going, it’s all about the budget,” Parker said.

Parker said they are expecting close to 100 people to attend Try Scuba tonight.

“With 18 tanks and an Olympic size pool, we have plenty of room,” she said.

Try Scuba costs $3 per person and is open to the public.