“Imagine Diving is a non­profit organization that introduces persons with disabilities to the recreational and therapeutic benefits of SCUBA diving as a means of  inspiring and building confidence  in  those who face everyday challenges of  living with disabilities”  ­ http://www.imaginediving.com/home.html

Imagine Diving works with people with varying disabilities. During the sessions the Dive Masters help the participants work

towards getting their diving certification.

For many of the participants it is a freeing experience. The things that cause them difficulties above water are no longer

prevalent below.

During today’s sessions Jean helped by getting the participants their gear together and I took the pictures for their website so viewers can see what they do and for the participants to see themselves SCUBA

dive!

And we will continue to volunteer at the SCUBA sessions which are held twice a month. We have

a fantastic time whenever we volunteer.

John and his two buddies

Here’s a little overview of our day with Imagine Diving

Abby

Imagine Diving Instructor and President Bob Hemedinger (left)  prepares Abby's brother

(center) and a U.S. military veteran (right) for a pool dive.  This is Abby's brother's first scuba

experience.

Getting Ready:

Preparation is slightly

difficult. The mask, BCD,

and fins must fit properly. A couple people work on the deck at all times to assemble

equipment and make changes

when necessary.

Below the Water

Abby and her brother met Santa!!!!

There is always a Dive Master and at

least one buddy with each child.

Meghan

Because of Meghan’s disability she can’t hold onto the mouth piece so she has to

have a full face mask.

Mom and Grandpa look on as their little girl finishes her dive.

Meghan’s dive

This was Meghan’s first dive. She is 10 years old with cerebral palsy.By the end of her session she was trying to swim by herself!

With the help of the gift money Imagine Diving could:

“Acquire new equipment, and to maintain the existing equipment”

“To provide training for dive professionals and other SCUBA divers that are

interested in taking on this kind of a challenge”

“A small facility (for equipment storage).. . that is heated and has running water”

- Imagine Diving President Bob Hemedinger

(At the moment they are working out of a heated garage)

Each session takes a lot of preparation, and a lot of work from the founders and volunteers. We would really like to help this charity, starting its second year, jump start their success and

accomplish their overall goal of putting smiles on their participants faces!

PLEASE VOTE!!!!!

Made by: Jean and Kalyn Harris