 |
 |
| |
|
The City of San Jose's Park and Recreations opened the Camden Lifetime Activities Center (CLAC) aquatics program on June 14, 1997 after pouring $600,000 into renovations. This is the only year around public pool within the City of San Jose. The 220,000 gallons pool goes from 3 feet to 12 feet deep and will hold a maximum capacity of 220 people.
Since its inception, the Specialty Aquatics Classes have included the Scuba diving program. The classes are held regularly on a monthly basis. The classes are four weeks long and some weekend classes are offered. Scuba Instructors, Anne and Jesus Ruiz, whom share over forty years of diving experience, teach the classes. Both are YMCA Scuba Instructors as well as Professional Association of Diving Instructors members. Therefore, students may qualify to receive lifetime certifications with YMCA, PADI and CMAS, the largest certifying agency in the world.
The Scuba program has been a great success and very popular with the community. The diversity of students varies from twelve-year-olds to retired seniors. Many are professional people from the electronics industry who expect to do work related travel to tropical waters. They take the class here and do the ocean training in the warmer tropical waters. Most, however, complete their five training dives in Monterey Bay. This area is considered one of the riches in marine life and offering some of the best scuba diving in the world.
The Scuba program also offers Discover Snorkeling Classes and a Discover Scuba class. Heidi York, a recreational program specialist at CLAC said, "the kids just love that!" in reference to the highly popular snorkeling classes. The Discover Scuba class allows people to try the scuba gear in the pool, and then decide if they would be interested in the Scuba course. "The Scuba Program is rather unique, and the rewards are extraordinary" says Heidi York.
The Center is presently considering adding a Specialty Scuba Program for the Disabled, according to Heidi. The program is highly competitive in cost and the instructors are highly qualified. "We are highly motivated by the fun and adventure we share with our students," exclaims Anne Ruiz. They especially enjoy small group teaching to the Boy Scouts and similar groups. Both instructors are qualified to teach Advanced Diving, First Aid, Oxygen Provider First Aid, Dive Master classes, Scuba Rescue, Dry Suit Diving, High Altitude Diving and are available to provide private instruction. If, you are interested in any of the mentioned classes, you can contact the instructors directly at: 408-972-2317 or call the CLAC at: 408-559-8553.