By Kim Hutchison
Staff Reporter:
From Nov. 14 to 17, Farrington Diving Services Ltd. held a diving course at the Ponoka Aquaplex for those wishing to become a certified diver. During the four day course, certain hours of each day were devoted to time spent in the classroom concentrating on learning the necessary components required to properly suit up and make the plunge, while many hours were dedicated to actually getting in the pool the pool to master the intriguing activity.
Instructor Ray Farrington has been SCUBA diving for 30 years and has been teaching the course in Ponoka for 20 years. During that time period he has trained over 150 divers from Ponoka.
There were nine local divers enrolled in the most recent course, which was a great turnout.
“It’s common for people to take the course to prepare for a holiday,” said Farrington. “One person in this course will be vacationing in Mexico, another in St. Lucia and another in Jamacia.” Referrals are given for those wanting to do an open water dive while on vacation in a warm location. “We also offer charters on Sylvan Lake where boats can be viewed underwater. There’s a lot to see in Alberta,” he said.
To take the course, one must be older than 10 years. All participants age 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult. All participants must also be healthy enough to swim use the equipment and to swim for long periods of time.
For more information on this course and upcoming events, phone the Aquaplex at 403-783-0131 or Farrington Diving Services Ltd. at 403-885-4635.