One of the largest SCUBA training facilities in the United States

Omaha, Nebraska isn't a scuba diving hotbed. But that could change with the ground breaking later this week on a new 12,000 square foot facility known as DiVentures. Easily one of the largest retail dive facilities in the United States, DiVentures aims to promote scuba diving in a new and LARGE way.
Under the direction of Mark Roberts and Dean Hollis, two well-established business leaders in the region, DiVentures is being launched at a time when most businesses are pulling back. That's not the case here. "We feel this is a perfect time to launch. There is plenty of opportunity and we plan to use that to our advantage," Roberts said.
The state-of-the art, 12,000 square foot facility will easily be one of the largest SCUBA training facilities in the United States. It will house a pool reaching a 14 foot depth with three sections for scuba training, swimming, water aerobics, birthday parties, drown-proofing lessons, etc. and 3 lap lanes. In addition to the pool, the comprehensive facility will also include 2,300 square feet of retail space, travel services, full service equipment and repair department, classroom and locker rooms. The new facility is projected to open in the Spring of 2010.
“Our vision is to build a comprehensive scuba and swim facility, focusing on water safety, education and enjoyment , with exceptional customer service”, said Hollis.”We’ve assembled a diverse group of very talented people, who combine their skills, experience and passion about our oceans, marine life, ecological preservation and, most of all, one another, to provide an unparalleled customer experience”, said Roberts.
DiVentures has announced it will be partnering with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), who will be represented at the groundbreaking ceremony. "PADI is proud to welcome DiVentures as a PADI Dive Center. While the media is filled daily with quotes about tough economic times, Mark Roberts and Dean Hollis have chosen a more progressive and optimistic path, focusing their successful business leadership model and commitment to unsurpassed customer service with the opening of DiVentures," said Bob Coleman, PADI's Vice President of Sales and the International Retail and Resort Association.
DiVentures is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the new DiVentures Scuba and Swim Center, the newest, largest and most innovative scuba facility in the United States. The ground-breaking is scheduled for Thursday, September 3rd at 10:00 a.m. on the northwest corner of 120th and I Streets. The ceremony will include the presentation of a check in the amount of $50,000.00 to the Omaha Fire Department Water Rescue Team. The donation from DiVentures will be used to purchase a search and rescue boat for the Omaha Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team. The event will include representatives from DiVentures, the Omaha Fire Department and PADI, the world’s largest scuba certifying agency and one of DiVentures’ key partners.
Along with training all levels of scuba divers, the facility will offer numerous water safety and educational classes including CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, basic swim lessons and environmental education as it pertains to both fresh and salt water. DiVentures works closely with the Omaha Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team as well as numerous other regional water rescue teams.
For more details, visit the website at www.DiVentures.net