LEONARDTOWN — This year, the photo with Santa can be taken at the bottom of a pool.
St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks and Southern Maryland Divers will offer an underwater photo session with Santa Claus from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Wellness & Aquatics Center, the county announced Nov. 5. Participants 10 and older will get a short lesson in scuba basics from dive professionals before going under for their picture.
It is not the first time Santa has traded the sleigh for a tank in St. Mary’s. The county ran a similar Santa scuba event last year.
Cost and registration
Registration is required. It costs $10 for St. Mary’s County residents and $15 for nonresidents. Space is limited, and sign-ups are open at tinyurl.com/WAC-Scuba until slots fill. The county did not say how many slots are available.
What to know before you dive
- Equipment: All scuba gear is provided. Bring a bathing suit and towel.
- Arrival: Show up 30 minutes before your reserved time for paperwork and equipment fitting.
- Minors: A parent or guardian must be present to sign waivers for anyone under 18.
- Medical form: Every participant must complete a diver medical questionnaire. Anyone who answers “yes” to any question must have a physician sign the form and bring the signed copy. The county says there will be no exceptions.
- Photos: Give a valid email address. A link to the underwater photos will be emailed after the event once the images are processed.
Families planning to go should download the medical form now. If a doctor’s signature is needed, getting an appointment before Dec. 12 may take time during the holiday season.
Where
The Wellness & Aquatics Center is on the College of Southern Maryland’s Leonardtown campus at 22950 Hollywood Road. The county operates the pool on college land; in September the commissioners approved a new lease with CSM for the center.
Questions go to St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks at 301-475-4200, ext. 1800, or RPinfo@stmaryscountymd.gov.
