Kelly Price/Hattiesburg American

The spring of 2014 marked the first time in three years that students were able to take to the water as a part of the University of Southern Mississippi's recreational scuba class.

An April 2011 fire in the M.C. Johnson Natatorium on campus crippled the 40-year-old scuba program, costing the department all of its equipment.

"The program was a total loss for us. Our equipment didn't survive," said Bill Powe, a NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) diver and scuba instructor at Southern Miss. "We now have new equipment, and that equipment is top of the line. We're very pleased with that equipment. And it's allowed us to provide back to the community – our university community – scuba."

The program is now back on its feet after the university purchased new gear and eleven beginner divers received their certification in the spring semester.

"I came to Southern Miss for a marine biology degree, and I found this class and thought it would be a great asset," said Sarah Bednarzyk, who received her scuba certification in the spring.

"Some parts of this class have been pretty difficult," said Bednarzyk. "Just putting all of that (equipment) on and knowing you're not going to die underwater — just because you feel like you're going to sink at first — but you do sink, and you're under the water, but you have the regulator in your mouth and you can breath like you're on land. So, it's just really amazing."

"With scuba, the underwater environment…many folks have said it's our last frontier, and I agree with that statement," said Powe. "It leads to other life experiences: managing your fears, managing risk, networking — you know you can't dive without a buddy — learning to work with a group and trusting others to dive with you. So, it becomes a community-type environment.

"Diving is strenuous and can be a dangerous sport. If you learn your limits and manage your risk, then it becomes as safe as any sport can be that has risk."

Recreational scuba at Southern Miss is an eight-week course with room for 18 students on its roster.

Those wanting to learn more about the class can contact the School of Human Performance and Recreation, or locate the course on SOAR using the subject and catalog number HPR 103.

"I feel like this is a great opportunity for anybody to take this class – even if you're not in any sort of biology or marine biology degree – just to know you're comfortable underwater," said Bednarzyk. "And when you do go scuba diving, you can see amazing things."