Test Out SCUBA Diving At The Zoo This Weekend

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – There's a lot to see and do at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. This weekend, you can add scuba driving to the list.

Zoo visitors can get free scuba diving lessons through Sunday, in the world's largest mobile diving pool.

"Big Wave Dave" Reidenbach is coordinator for the "Be a Diver" pool.

"It's 20 by 30 feet," he says. "Holds about 15,000 gallons of water."

Kids 10 and 11 are admitted, with parents. Twelve and older are good to go.

"It's four feet deep," Reidenbach adds. "So they're walking by, we have suits for them if they don't bring their own swim suits. We show them how easy it is to dive."

Volunteers from area diving schools offer tips that can open up a whole new world, including three from "Splash Water Sports" in Dormont.

"This is just an introduction to scuba diving," instructor Ellen Matthews says. "So we tell them, hold the regulator in your mouth."

"Breathe underwater continuously," Tim Biligen adds. "Never hold your breath. That's the biggest rule in scuba diving."

It's free to go, but you have to buy admission to the zoo (and bring your bathing suit). Click here for more information.

The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sunday.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter