A chance for adults and youth with disabilities to safely experience underwater diving is coming later this month in Jefferson City.
"Dive with a Cop" day will be held 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Knowles Jefferson City YMCA.
Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman is helping organize the event. He called it an opportunity for those with disabilities to know what it is like to breathe underwater, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, at no cost.
"If their skill levels allow, they will be able to see what it feels like to be weightless in the water and swim like a fish," he said. "If they wish, we will have some friendly competitions and awards for everyone."
Heitman said all participants will have a highly skilled and certified diving partner at all times. They will be monitored by scuba diving instructors and rescue divers.
The event is hosted by Scuba Adventure Rescue and Recovery along with the Mid-Missouri Sheriff's Dive Team.
Those on the dive team come from the Cole County Sheriff's Office, Osage County Sheriff's Office, Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Belle Police Department.
Those interested in participating can contact Heitman at [email protected] or at his office, 573-422-3381, where he will provide a sign-up form.
Scuba Adventure in Jefferson City and Joe Machens Ford in Columbia and Jefferson City are sponsoring this event.