[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 54 (Tuesday, April 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 THE UNDERWATER ADVENTURE SEEKERS CELEBRATE THEIR FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 1999

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite the Members of this 
body to join me in saluting the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS) as 
they celebrate forty years in the District of Columbia.
  UAS was established in the District of Columbia on February 25, 1959 
for the purpose of offering water safety and skin and SCUBA diving 
training to African-Americans in the metropolitan area during a period 
in this country's development when such training was not available to 
African-Americans or other minorities through the usual industry 
venues.
  UAS is and always has been, an organization that welcomes people of 
all backgrounds. It has trained more than 1,700 people in the sports of 
skin and SCUBA diving. Additionally, UAS contributes thousands of hours 
of volunteer service to the community by sponsoring field trips for 
marine science students at the University of the District of Columbia; 
providing 2-year scholarships in marine science or oceanography to 
District residents; providing instruction in swimming and other water 
activities for persons of all ages; and providing safety divers for the 
President's Cup Regatta. The UAS also provides rescue divers to assist 
federal and local agencies during emergencies when there is a critical 
need for trained, experienced divers.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud the achievements and commitment of the UAS to 
promoting water safety, conserving aquatic life, and providing services 
to the citizens of the District of Columbia.

                          ____________________