Capilano University's annual free scuba dive demonstration weekend brought members of the community to try diving for the first time.
The event was hosted on Feb. 7 and 8 at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre. Students from Cap U's professional scuba dive instructor program provided participants an opportunity to experience the thrill of swimming and breathing underwater.
Each day was divided into four segments of 30-minute scuba diving sessions. Each participant had quality, one-on-one time with a dive master from the program under the supervision of the program head Jim Rossi.
Those who partook in the dive demo worked on the basics of scuba diving including breathing, fin kicking and buoyancy and also had the chance to play some underwater games with their dive masters.
I haven't been diving in two years. I forgot how wonderful the experience was, said Catherine Evans, tourism sales and marketing teacher at Cap U. Now I'm anxious to go again.
There was a lot of brand new divers who had never used a breathing apparatus before, and a lot of advanced divers who would take their spouses or brothers and sisters diving for the first time.
From the 16 year olds to the 70 year olds, they all came up with those gigantic smiles on their faces. It feels good to share our experiences with people from the community, said student Amanda Williams.
Being part of such a unique university program in such a beautiful location that is the Sunshine Coast, it is very important for students to get the support of the community. Without Capilano University, Sechelt Aquatic Centre, Ocean Quest Dive Centre and everyone who came and supported the event, students wouldn't have had the chance to make this happen.
