Article Author:

Captain D.J.
Master Instructor

Dear all friends of Rainbow Reef,

This past summer, we were contacted by the family of Daniel Hernandez in order to arrange a charter for his family to take him on his final dive. Daniel and his family had been diving with Rainbow Reef a few times and we were very sad to hear that Daniel had passed on in an untimely manner. We were honored to take Daniel and his family out to Key Largo Dry Rocks (Christ of the Abyss Statue) for one final dive with him. It was a very nice day, and we had about 20 members of his family diving and about another 18 of them snorkeling. We found a suitable place in the reef to place Daniels biodegradable urn and everyone had a chance to say goodbye… They also will have a chance to come back to visit. His father said that while this was an emotional experience, the pain and sorrow of putting his son to rest was diminished and contented by the beauty of the reef and the “joy” of the dive.

Daniel was born on December 16, 1986 and was 20 years old when he passed on February 17th, 2007. Daniel was a week away from reporting to the Coast Guard for boot camp in hopes of becoming a Rescue Swimmer and serve our country. The Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer motto; “So Others May Live” truly reflects Daniel’s way!

At the request of his family, we documented the dive trip on a DVD so they would have it forever. I asked for permission to put it on the BLOG so you could all get to know Daniel and his family a little bit. If you decide to watch it, although you may have never met him, you’ll be introduced to Daniel, and you can add yourself to the list and be one more person who will never forget him.

I’m not very religious, I’m more of a spiritual person.. Whatever you consider yourself, please say a prayer or have a moment of silence for Daniel and his family.

The trip took place on July 14th, 2007. It took a little while to get all of the family photos and music together for the DVD, so we were not able to bring it to you until now.

Click here to see the VIDEO (requires Flash) and spend a few minutes getting to know Daniel and his family. After watching, please leave a comment for Daniel’s family, I’m sure they would like to know all of the new friends Daniel is making.

Article Author:

Owen
Master Scuba Diver Trainer

Congratulations to SANDY GRINDLEY, MARK TAN, and MARK BRETTIN, the newest members to join the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor ranks. SANDY, a Rainbow Reef Intern, is from Conneticut. MARK TAN is from Singapore, and MARK BRETTIN, is from Pompano Beach, Florida. The “Three Amigos” endured written exams, oral presentations, confined water, and open water skills evaluations to succefully receive their Open Water Instructor certificates. All three of the candidates were trained by Rainbow Reef Platinum Course Director TOM WITMER. A special guest appearance was made by the Jules Undersea Lodge iguana (We are not sure where he is from as iguanas are not indigenous to Florida). The iguana seemed to approve of the new instructors. Well done guys! It was also another great Holiday weekend of diving. Conditions out at the reef from Thursday through Saturday night were outstanding and it wasn’t until today that things got just a little bit rough out there. Even with the waves, they were reporting about 60 feet of visibility and no current. See you all soon!