Two of Western Academy’s scholars are now certified scuba divers after completing training over the last month.
Elijah Parker and Kyler Williams said they completed a 2-weekend program that began with reading through the materials and a few exams. McCellus Mays, coordinator of the training, said the Academy learned of the training after completing the “Get Black Outside” program.
“That program introduces people of color [to things they may have never been exposed to such as] being in the water and wilderness camping, things like that. The next step was finding out who was interested in learning how to scuba dive as they snorkeled in the stream,” he said.
The two students said they both had an interest in underwater features and a general love for water, so they wanted to go through the certification course.
Their training included learning the different parts of the scuba apparatus, developing water skills with lessons at the Owensboro Family YMCA, and a trip to Tennessee for their final test.
Overall, Parker and Williams said that the training was easy, except for equalizing their ears.
“Being underwater is like when you’re in an airplane and your ears pop. I had a difficult time going down and having to equalize my ears because it hurt,” Parker said.
After completing the program, both said they were thankful to officially be certified and hope to use their skills to explore different areas.
“It’s hard to explain how I felt, but I was just really happy,” Parker said.
With few options in Kentucky, both students said they look forward to taking their training to other places and hope to go scuba diving in Mexico or Hawai’i.
Mays noted that the Academy has a chance to take their students to Costa Rica, and he plans to find diving opportunities for them there.
