Testimony from Jennifer Jones

I received my OWD certification in July 2021. Being a solo diver, not knowing anyone else who dove, a friend suggested looking for a scuba dive group on Facebook. That is how I first found NABS.On my 3rd dive post certification I found myself on my own, realizing not every dive shop has your safety as their top priority. After sharing my experience on the NABS Facebook page I was inindated with helpful advice from experienced divers, even some calling me to walk me through what to do for future dives. This prompted me to officially join NABS in December of 2021, attending any and all online events I could, obtaining a wealth of knowledge and tips to help me become a better diver. It also led me to go to my first Summit located in Curacao in November of 2022. It is here that I felt like a new kid on my first day of school, attending the event as a solo diver, but quickly being embraced like family. I also saw first hand the NABS Aqua Corp in action. Where else will you have an army of highly trained divers watching your back while you dive, even giving you advice helping you to become a better diver? I’ve even witnessed them first hand enforcing safety measures, ensuring the dive boats had their safety equipment up to code (because they don’t all do it). That was it for me. I found my people and I’ve been diving with them ever since. So much so I quickly got involved participating in DWP-CARES doing Coral restoration, speaking at Beneath the Sea, and joining the NABS executive board. So why join Nabs? The expertise and advice I received and the friendships I’ve made since are priceless. NABS is not just not just a regular organization, it is a community, a family that I like to call the NAACP of diving.