Liberty to offer two-week scuba diving course

Beyond the enormous landmasses comprising the earth’s seven continents, there lies an enchanting world ready for exploration — under water. Beginning Jan. 13, 2009, Liberty University students and the general public can enroll in a two-week course that gives them the initial certification needed to scuba dive in Earth’s most beautiful oceanic caverns.

Consisting of four indoor and two open-water sessions, students will receive hands-on training in Liberty’s LaHaye Student Union pool. As they develop a basic knowledge of scuba diving, participants will take a series of written tests before completing their open-water evaluation in Blanch, N.C., on Jan. 24-25.

Providing instruction for the course is master scuba diving trainer J.D. Emerson. A certified instructor with nearly 40 years of diving experience, Emerson owns and operates BCXtreme Sports in Danville, Va., and teaches a variety of courses, from underwater crime scene investigation to search and rescue. After taking a few tours of Liberty’s aquatic facility, the instructor says the university’s indoor pool is an ideal place for training future divers.

“It’s first class,” Emerson said. “The temperature of the water is maintained great, the depth is excellent and there is plenty of room to maneuver.”

Registered students must bring a diving mask, fins, snorkel and boots to each session, which can be purchased from Emerson at a discount. All other necessities, such as oxygen tanks, regulators, wetsuits, gloves and weights, will be provided.

The two-week course is another offering in Liberty’s Ultimate LU campaign, providing students with more recreational activities to round out their college experience. In the near future, the university hopes to establish an extended course in which students can earn academic credit.

“We really just want to offer everything possible for our students,” said Josh Goodman, associate director of campus recreation facilities and aquatics. “We’re really excited about it.”

Those interested in learning how to scuba dive can register for the two-week course at the LaHaye Student Union front desk. For more information, please call (434) 592-3281 or email Josh Goodman at jfgoodman@liberty.edu.

2009 Class Schedule

Jan. 13, 15, 20 and 22, 2009: 3-7 p.m. (LaHaye Student Union pool)
Jan. 24, 2009: 1-4 p.m. (open-water training —Blanch, N.C.)
Jan. 25, 2009: 2:30-5 p.m. (open-water training — Blanch, N.C.)