Scuba Diving Classes

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Teaches skills required for modest-depth scuba and skin diving. The enrollment fee covers textbooks and the use of life-support equipment specific to scuba diving during pool sessions. After completion of this course, it is possible to then complete the required open water dives to earn NAUI or PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification for an additional fee of $240. Participants must bring a swimsuit and towel to the first and subsequent classes. Water skills requirements: Must be able to swim 200 yards and tread water for 10 minutes. Prior to the first class, students must visit the dive shop, Elmer's Watersports, 1310 Oakton Street in Evanston, to complete paperwork and discuss the equipment requirements for the class (Scuba quality mask, fins, snorkel, booties, and wetsuit). Contact Elmer's Watersports at (847) 475-7946 or Myron@elmerswatersports.com for more information.

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE MEDICAL FORM (THIS FORM IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN SCUBA DIVING CLASS). Please read this form, and if your answer to any medical question is "yes," your doctor must review the form and sign this form stating his/her approval that you are healthy enough to scuba dive. THIS MUST BE DONE BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS!


REGISTRATION

Fall registration is open. You can register online by clicking the link below or by calling the Membership Office at 847-491-4303.

CLICK TO REGISTER

Registration Tips:
  • Northwestern students and staff, if you receive an error regarding an age restriction while registering, you will need to call the Membership Office at 847-491-4303 to register.
  • Be sure to select the correct semester on the left side of the registration website (desktop) or at the top of the page (mobile).
  • Trouble registering? Please call the Membership Office at 847-491-4303.

SUMMER SESSION SCHEDULE

SESSION DATES SESSION DAY CLASS TIME REGISTRATION PERIOD
September 24 - November 5 Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closes 9/24 | Register
 

LESSON FEES
  • Northwestern Student: $455
  • Member: $480
  • Non-Member: $480
 

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Diving is an exciting and demanding activity. When performed correctly, applying correct techniques, it is very safe. When established safety procedures are not followed, however, there are dangers.

To scuba safely, you must not be extremely overweight or out of condition. Diving can be strenuous under certain conditions. Your respiratory and circulatory systems must be in good health. All body air spaces must be normal and healthy. A person with heart trouble, a current cold or congestion, epilepsy, asthma, a severe medical problem, or who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not dive. If taking medication, consult your doctor and the instructor before participating in this program. You will also need to learn from the instructor the important safety rules regarding breathing and equalization while scuba diving. Improper use of scuba equipment can result in serious injury. You must be thoroughly instructed in its use under the direct supervision of a qualified instructor to use it safely.

Please download the medical form and answer the following questions on your past or present medical history with a YES or NO. If you are not sure, answer YES. If your answer to any medical question is "yes," your doctor must review the form and sign this form stating his/her approval that you are healthy enough to scuba dive. THIS MUST BE DONE BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS!  
 


CLASS LOCATION

Classes are held on the Evanston campus at the Norris Aquatics Center located at 2311 Campus Drive. Click here for directions. Parking is available in the north campus garage, which is attached to the Norris Aquatics Center. Take elevator "A" to the first floor to reach the facility's entrance. Parking is free on weekends and after 4 p.m. on weekdays.

The Norris Aquatics Center features a 25-yard x 50-meter pool which is home to the Northwestern Varsity Swimming and Diving teams. The water temperature is kept at a cool 80 degrees. Water depth ranges from 4 feet to 15 feet.


REFUNDS

Click here for the aquatics refund request form and policies. You may need to save the file to your computer to utilize all the functions of the PDF.