The St. Thomas Diving Club is offering free diving classes for youngsters from 12 to 18 years of age.
Those interested are invited to an orientation and registration session on Saturday, October 2, at 4:30 p.m. Families of those interested in the classes are encouraged to attend this session.
Courses will be held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the course is completed.
The course, made possible by a Community Development Block Grant, is coordinated by St. Thomas Diving Club, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The course is intended to teach young people about the marine environment and give them an opportunity to explore the dive industry as a profession.
The basic scuba certification course involves bookwork, academics, classroom and pool time before students advance to open water dives, rescue and medic first aid.
"Youngsters don't have to be strong swimmers to take advantage of these courses," said Sigrid Tejo of St. Thomas Diving Club. "As long as they feel comfortable in the water, are in reasonably good health and are from a low to moderate income household, they can take the course".
There is no charge for the course. Applications are available at St. Thomas Diving Club at Bolongo Bay Hotel or by calling 776-2381.