Dutch Springs Teams Up With Newtown, Conn., Dive Unit To Host Local Fund Raiser For Sandy Hook Families

Bethlehem, Pa. – Dutch Springs is teaming up with the Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue (NUSAR) squad of Newtown, Conn., this weekend to host a fund raiser that will benefit the families of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Dutch Springs is suspending its normal instructors- and registered-students dive day on Saturday, Jan. 19 and instead opening the 50-acre lake to all certified divers and non-divers who wish to participate in this charitable event. Dutch Springs will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, said owner Stuart Schooley.

“We are asking all instructors and season pass holders for a charitable donation equivalent to our normal admission price of $36,” Schooley said. “Non-divers are welcome at a donation of $10. We will have a limited supply of air for refilling scuba tanks but no nitrox. There will be a raffle drawing administered by NUSAR on Saturday and additional donations are encouraged.”

Schooley said NUSAR reached out to Dutch Springs because of the diving opportunities available at the Lower Nazareth site, including the various vehicles and equipment placed at the bottom of the lake for diver enjoyment. NUSAR divers will place a commemorative plaque on a school bus at the bottom of Dutch Springs in memory of the 26 adults and children killed in the shooting on Dec. 14, 2012.

“We are very proud to be a part of this unique event and grateful for the opportunity to show our support for the families of the victims and the community of Newtown, Conn., as they work to move beyond this terrible tragedy,” Schooley said.

To pre-register for the fund-raiser please send an e-mail to dutchsprings@dutchsprings.com  and provide your phone number or call us at 610-759-2270. We will call you back to get your information to pre-register. Contributions can also be made directly to https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/

Those donating directly to the NUSAR website should e-mail Dutch Springs to confirm their registration and must bring their receipt when they come to dive on Saturday.

Sunday diving will again revert to the normally scheduled instructor/student schedules.

For more on Dutch Springs Aqua Park, Scuba, Northstar Team Development and North Star Adventure, go to www.dutchsprings.com.