About Us
About Us
Founded in 2002, the Windy City Seals SCUBA Diving Club of Chicago actively creates experiences that promote SCUBA diving, aquatic awareness, environmental conversation, and education. The result is a network of active individuals, joined in unity and camaraderie who strive to inspire future generations.
The Seals welcome non-divers, dive students, and other interested in diving as well as certified divers of all experience levels.
Activities
Seals members meet every third Saturday every other month at the Carver Park Field House, located at 939 E. 132nd Street in Chicago. The club plans dive excursions to exotic destination every year and is a chapter of the National Association of Black SCUBA Divers (NABS).
In addition to dive trips, the Seals host numerous fun activities for members and others interested in SCUBA diving throughout the year as well as community service focused events.
Our Mission
- To promote SCUBA diving, water safety, aquatic skills and environmental awareness/conservation;
- To sponsor SCUBA diving trips and open water educational experiences;
- To promote the development of educational programs for people in the African-American community, which will stimulate interest and knowledge in diving for recreational and career opportunities; and
- To be an official chapter of the National Association of Black SCUBA Divers by conforming to NABS regulations, paying appropriate fees and promoting NABS activities and events.
Membership
Qualifications. Membership in the WCS is open to all divers and diving enthusiast regardless of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, sex, age, handicap, or veteran status.
Classes of Membership
- Class One Memberships are open to anyone 18 years and older in agreement with the purpose of the club
- Class Two Nonvoting Memberships are open to persons under the age of 18 and in agreement with the purpose of the club.
- Class Three Nonvoting Memberships shall be called Organizations. This membership shall be open to groups, businesses and organizations that are legal entities within their jurisdiction and / or the jusrisdiction of the Club.
Dues. Each member of the club upon enrollment will pay the annual dues in such amounts fixed by the club on an annual basis. The club maintains a fiscal calendar year schedule from January 1 to December 31. Dues are payable on or before January 1 of each year. There is a two-month grace period. If any member is in default in dues payment for two months after the due date, the member must pay a late fee equivalent to one quarter of the yearly dues. New members joining the club are charged a prorated membership fee according to the quarter of the calendar year. Those joining the organization in the last quarter of the year will have the benefit of membership for the upcoming year. Current members are not eligible for these new member benefits and will be required to pay full membership fee regardless of the quarter.
New Members. New member applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee. The review includes the application, proof of diving certification for Class One and Two memberships and payment of dues.