Canadian lake hosts zombie-themed scuba diving event

A ‘zombie apocalypse’ has descended on Clear Lake in Wainwright, Canada, with the survivors earning an officially recognised diving qualification.

The zombie dive training session, which took place in mid-June, was organised by Alberta Adventure Divers and was officially certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

The event saw every diver pass by ‘surviving the apocalypse’. An ominous lightning storm broke out during the dive briefing, with better weather conditions for the day of the dive.

The course allowed divers to practice their search and recovery skills, as well as their buoyancy skills. Organisers say the event was designed to be a ‘bit of fun’, with an evening of theory about the history of the story behind zombies, plus the opportunity to make fellow divers look like zombies for their PADI cards.

The course is also designed to sharpen the divers’ abilities and develop problem-solving skills, as well as to refresh their first aid knowledge. 

Dive leader and instructor Connie Fass told CBC News: “Through Covid, it was a way to keep our active divers diving.”

There were roaming zombies underwater, portrayed by Fass and her assistants, who wore zombie costumes over dry suits. 

“I have some of them that really fulfill the role,” Faas said. “They have red and yellow contacts in their eyes. So they look really spooky. They make the hair really look scary underwater.”

The next event is due to take place on 24 June 2023.