Retired Navy diver teaches scuba in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE - A retired Navy diver is bringing his skills to the Moses Lake Aquatic Center.

Bob Boyer, a math and science teacher at the Warden Hutterite School, is now teaching scuba diving at the aquatic center, beginning this week. The Moses Lake City Council approved recently Boyer's teaching request at the aquatic center.

Boyer said a student of his approached him about two years ago about wanting to learn to scuba, knowing Boyer is a retired Navy diver.

"I was a Navy diver. I wasn't trained to teach diving," he said.

In the two years since, Boyer has been trained in rescue diving and as a master diver. During the school's spring break this year, he took a trip to Florida and is now PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified to teach scuba.

Last week, Boyer worked with Hutterite students, from third-graders to high school students. On Monday, classes officially began.

Boyer is offering a range of different classes, including open water dives. Participants will receive instruction during five pool dives and four open-water dives, either in the lake or in the Puget Sound area, at the cost of about $350, Boyer said.

"If it takes more, that's okay," Boyer said. "The big thing is they feel comfortable in the water and I feel they're safe in the water.

Before strapping on the air tanks and scuba gear, students will need to complete some classroom time, learning the fundamentals of scuba, Boyer said.

Classes are available for anyone ages 8 and older and Boyer does have equipment available for use. He said he has about 12 students signed up already.

Boyer also plans to offer equipment purchases at the aquatic center and a scuba shack at 5719 Road 4.4 NE in Moses Lake.

For more information, visit www.desertdivingcenter.com or call 509-771-3018.