Breathing underwater, like eating fireworks, constructing a monument, and getting married, should only be attempted if you're confident you can do it. Today's Groupon gives you all the skills you need to mingle with the mermaids: for $24, you get a Try Scuba group class at The Scuba Gym in Dunnellon (a $49 value).
The Scuba Gym’s family-friendly Try Scuba lesson shepherds schools of aspiring divers through two hours of underwater-breathing practice spritzed with scuba-savvy tips. After the certified instructor and assisting dive master divulge 30 minutes of diving dos and don’ts above the water, scuba students can affix fins to their land-dwelling feet, strap metal lungs to their backs, and submerge themselves in siren-free waters. Buoyant learners harpoon their newfound underwater existence by absorbing essential survival facts, such as clearing masks of fog or placating spooked seahorses. From there, an hour of diligently supervised aqueous amusement commences, with underwater scooter races and whole-body corkscrews through hula-hoop rings.
Each Try Scuba class equips plunging pupils with the proper skin gear and breathing gadgets, but divers must know how to swim. Though this session does not certify purchasers for unbridled scuba excursions, Groupon customers who sign up for a certification class will get a complimentary 2-milimeter wetsuit (an $85 value) for future dives and underwater-themed proms.