A pilot scuba diving event is headed to the DAC swimming pool on Nov. 15th. The idea came to MBA candidate Derek Smith after an entrepreneurship class.
“I was taking Entrepreneurship 501 with Dr. Barrie Litzky, and the class final was starting a hypothetical business venture. I took my background as a scuba diving instructor, and I kind of just pulled it up into a real entrepreneurial venture,” said Smith. “I asked [Drexel] if they would be interested in [a scuba program], and the Rec Center was really interested. They thought it would be a neat program to eventually split into a full-time offering.”
As a certified diving instructor, Smith saw an opportunity for a scuba diving program at Drexel.
“Drexel is the only school in this area that doesn’t have a scuba diving program,” Smith said. “Temple has one. Penn has a very active one, and other universities, like Villanova, have one.”
If the pilot program is successful, the long-term goal is to make scuba diving a physical education class at Drexel, where students can earn their scuba license. “When you take this [class], you do not just get a grade at the end. Who cares about the grade? You get a scuba certification, and that is your ticket to run around the world.”
During the pilot event, students can expect to get a basic familiarization with scuba diving under the supervision of licensed instructors. Participants will learn about the equipment, techniques, and how to stay buoyant underwater.
For people who have never scuba dived, Smith believes his program is the perfect introduction.
“What I tell people is, it is not like swimming. It is like you are hiking, but in three dimensions. Because what you are doing is going over different terrain and you are seeing different things,” he said.
Even for those who are not strong swimmers, the barrier to entry is low.
“People do not even necessarily have to be strong swimmers because the activity is completely different, and the way you interact with the water is entirely different than when you are on top of the water,” reassures Smith.
The sign-up process involves three insurance waivers and $75, with everything else being included.
“We will supply everything from goggles, fins, and all of the equipment. All you need to do is bring your swim trunks, a towel, and a water bottle.”
Six spots are available for the initial program. At the time of publication, there are still five spots open.
For students who cannot attend the event but are still interested in future scuba-diving opportunities at Drexel, the website offers an interest survey for them to complete. Smith hopes that sufficient student engagement will lead to greater interest from Drexel.
The event is taking place on Saturday, Nov. 15th, from 12 pm-4 pm. The last day to register is Thursday, Nov 13th. Any Drexel student can sign up at www.diveeverypuddle.com/try-scuba-drexel for $75. More information about the program can be found on the Dive Every Puddle Instagram.