FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- June is Greater Fort Lauderdale's official "Learn to Dive Month," encouraging visitors and locals to learn to scuba dive. In preparation for Flag Day, June 14, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau teamed up with the national Diveheart Foundation and US Congressman Allen West, who proudly represents Florida's 22nddistrict, for a special event celebrating the many positive benefits of the sport.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110613/NY19124 )
Congressman Allen West, a PADI Master and retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel, joined the dive group of veterans affiliated with Diveheart and Veterans Ocean Adventures, to the Ancient Mariner Wreck, formerly known as the USCG cutter Nemesis. The wreck, sunk in June 1991, is located just one mile from shore with an average depth of 50 feet. The group marked the occasion with an underwater ceremonial American flag tribute with the assistance of Jeff Torode, owner of South Florida Diving Headquarters and his fleet of dive boats.
Greater Fort Lauderdale's Learn to Dive program offers would-be and returning divers a simple way to experience the underwater thrills of exploring the area's accessible and abundant marine life. The program is designed to show how easy it is to learn to dive by featuring online training and certification through local dive operators and shops. Participants can go from training to graduation to their dive vacation in a few simple steps. Scuba diving is a powerful sport offering adventure and excitement, as well as positive benefits helping individuals with disabilities. The weightless sensation of scuba is a relief for the disabled, many of whom can fly through the water. "We launched the Learn to Dive program to educate newcomers to the sport on how easy is it to learn to Scuba," said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
"We are blessed to have an abundance of beautiful reefs and wrecks just off our shores. Even after many years of diving in South Florida, there is always something new to discover," says Congressman West. "I am honored to be able to share the freedom and serenity of the underwater experience with Diveheart divers."
Underwater videography available upon request.
SOURCE Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
