Although the Beyer Hall swimming pool is far from a tropical fish-filled ocean, the newly formed Iowa State Scuba Club uses it to fulfill its love of diving.

“The actual fact that there is enough interest in marine biology at Iowa State and that we have started the Scuba Club here is pretty ironic,” said Pam Parker, Scuba Club president.

Parker said she had a personal interest in scuba diving, but she was afraid that her love for diving put her in a category by herself. While taking a marine biology class in Des Moines last summer, Parker met other ISU students with the same interests as her.

“After talking with them I knew that I needed to look into forming a scuba diving club,” Parker said.

Last fall, Parker confronted Jerry Simons, the Iowa State diving coach, with her idea. Simons told her the necessary steps needed to register a club with the university.

With his help, Parker was able to schedule an appointment to speak in front of a board composed of the presidents of existing ISU sport clubs.

Parker answered numerous questions about her plans for the club. By the end of the meeting, the board had made the Scuba Club an official campus organization.

“After I talked to the board, I called around to get a meeting place and I made flyers to get people interested,” she said.

Parker said the first meeting was a success. The 20 students at the meeting discussed the future of the club and gave ideas for fund-raising events. The Scuba Club held two other meetings during the semester.

The club decided to collect money by charging a small club fee and by organizing a fund-raiser.

The Scuba Club will present an event called “Try Scuba” during Veishea. Parker said the club tried the event last semester, but they figured the event would be more successful during the Veishea celebration. “Try Scuba” will allow people to experience scuba diving in the Beyer Hall swimming pool.

“We open up diving to everyone on campus,” Parker said.

Parker said she is happy with her decision to form a club at Iowa State. She said it has been a great opportunity and she advises anyone who is interested in making their own club to go ahead and do it.

“You’ll just have to keep on pushing it, get background information and get ready to work,” Parker said.