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In October all systems were "go" for the Second Annual Diving for Life Scuba Jamboree at Captain Don’s Habitat in Bonaire.

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WHO WE ARE - LGBTQ+ SCUBA DIVERS

Since 1992, DFL books a dedicated resort for a life affirming week of LGBTQ+ diving, entertainment and camaraderie.

gay scuba diving

The founders want to share a love for the sea with other like-minded individuals. The stories sounded magnificent, and out of this world. Christopher has spent his life serving the community, beginning in scouting where he became an Eagle Scout. For now, reefs and wrecks of Broward County are home base.

Vision

Our vision is to foster acceptance and self-expression within the LGBTQIA+ diving community, advocating for environmental sustainability, and celebrating diversity.

All proceeds from the Jamboree are donated to charitable organizations that support the health concerns of the LGBTQ+ community. Patrick had many dreams and those who knew him knew he dreamt in Technicolor with digital Dolby surround sound.

Throughout the year of 1993, Patrick worked tirelessly planning the next jamboree.

“Underwater photographers (like me!) can showcase our work at general meetings, technical divers can reveal the wonders they see beyond recreational dive limits, and conservation leaders can help us to understand the state and nature of surrounding reefs. Red Sea LGBTQ+ Liveaboard
Shark Week!
October 19-26, 2026

New!

We offer trips for all levels of divers, from instruction for new divers to advanced destinations for the experienced. We inspire and empower divers globally, ensuring every dive is an opportunity for connection, learning, and positive impact on the ocean.

Mission

Our mission is to create an inclusive and safe community for LGBTQIA+ scuba divers and free divers, promoting ocean conservation and environmental activism.

We are excited about the future and look forward to diving Greater Fort Lauderdale and beyond with LGBTQIA+ friends.”

Learn more about Out Scuba by going to: outscuba.com.

Hotspots Magazine

About Us

Out Scuba, Inc. was founded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida by Christopher Duncan and Andre Saade, ocean conservationists and members of the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in the area.

“Nonprofit status also enhances our credibility and public trust, underscoring that we are committed to transparency, accountability and serving the public good. We want to create a fellowship that outlasts us.

With that in mind, Out Scuba was incorporated and registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization, built with a governance structure based on other successful community nonprofits.

CoCo View Roatan
LGBTQ+ Scuba Summer Camp
June 6-13, 2026New! We provide a platform for members to explore recreational scuba opportunities, educating the larger diving community about the presence and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Our Founders

Christopher Duncan

They didn’t know what they were unleashing when Christopher’s husband and best friend nicknamed him Ocean Nerd and agreed the community needed an organization like Out Scuba.

Sadly, Patrick never left the hospital, but it was with relief that he did get to see his final dream become a reality.

It seems insufficient to pay tribute to Patrick Kelly - winning amateur figure skater; Producer of Michael Callen’s Legacy CD; and lover of all things turquoise.

Perhaps one of the things I admired most about Patrick was his understanding of the importance of leaving a legacy — not just any legacy -— but one which would bring joy to so many participants, while providing support to so many in need.

DIVING FOR LIFE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Cordell Brown - President, 2025 Co-Organizer
Chad Anderson - Vice President, Region Liaison, 2025 Co-Organizer
Tom Bond - Treasurer
Jim McVittie - Secretary
Christine Simon
Tracy Taggart
Doug Patterson
Jack Johnson
Maggie Cannon

The DFL Jamboree is supported by LGBTQ friendly organizations throughout the world.

He was a director within the life sciences industry and spent his days in meetings and solving technical problems and finding solutions to improve efficiencies in his organization.


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Eventually he envisions programming and chapters reaching across the country.

“Through group dives, training programs, social events, and environmental initiatives, we are building a supportive network where divers of all skill levels—from beginners to experienced dive pros—can find community above and below the water’s surface,” says Duncan, who has been certified since 2006 and was a PADI Master Suba Diver Trainer from 2007 until he retired from teaching in 2021.

Out Scuba recently finalized its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, enabling it to, among other benefits, receive tax-exempt donations and access both public and private grants designated for nonprofit organizations.

“This transformation brings numerous benefits to enhance our ability to serve our community, promote inclusivity and support our shared passion for scuba diving,” says Andre Saade, a technology and program management professional in the life sciences industry who is another Out Scuba founder.

As much as it seemed unthinkable to go without him, it was equally unthinkable to not see it through. Andre wanted to find out for himself. “Ocean Nerd” Duncan often refers back to an organization for gay men who like to backpack and camp – and of which he served as president, 2007 & 2008 – when describing his operational vision for Out Scuba.

Incorporated as a charitable organization in New York State, DFL has been granted 501(c)(3) tax exempt status as an organization that uses its funds for charitable purposes.

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DIVING FOR LIFE, INC. A Foundation for LGBTQ Scuba Diving Charitable Giving
Cumulative Grantmaking from all Diving For Life LGBTQ Scuba Jamborees from 1993 to present

$1,523,589.42 USD

Cumulative Grantmaking by Club Affiliation
297,857Village Dive Club, New York
214,555Northern California Rainbow Divers, San Francisco
204,695Lambda Divers, Washington, DC
100,622Ruby Red Flippers, Portland Oregon
86,780Oak Lawn Ski and Scuba Club, Dallas
35,760San Diego Rainbow Scuba Club
34,820Gay And Lesbian Underwater Group, London, UK
31,320Bottom Dwellers, Seattle
30,146SUBS Australia
29,517Sea Squirts, North Carolina
28,980Stonewall Divers, Dallas
26,683Triangle Divers, Boston and New England
20,039Barnacle Busters, Los Angeles
18,338Toronto Rainbow Reef Rangers, Canada
3,469Sunshine Athletic Association, South Florida
3,080Rainbow Divers Club, Seattle
1,600DFL Board Designated
620None - in memory of Patrick Kelly

Diving For Life Financial Summary 2012 - 2023

2012
Bali
2013
Curacao
2014
Bonaire
2015
Costa Rica
2016
Philippines
2017
Belize
2018
Cozumel
2019
Bonaire
2022
Fiji
2023
Turks
INCOME
Air Travel Commissions and Rebates0000000000
Auction - Live Auction Income3,8347,5262,53010,3319,62013,55113,2757,37512,90010,530
Auction - Silent Auction Income12,47011,20016,01015,02013,52018,57532,53516,92529,91231,175
Contributions to DFL (incl from Clubs)12,2734,3074,5575,2425,9544,2904,3261,61310,19224,137
Participant Cancellation Dep Retained5,1007,3443,90013,15016,6836,15011,24515,34510,5002,623
Interest Income478271226370277322510648668180
Other Income - CC Fees Charged0000000000
Merchandise Revenue0480-30000003,9190
Raffle Ticket Sales16,68516,28016,87521,85815,91615,97619,99013,72020,00022,020
Participant Registration Fees212,889227,974207,746299,891210,576256,419228,608193,310261,260360,440
TOTAL INCOME$263,729$275,381$251,814$365,863$272,546$315,283$310,488$248,936$349,351$451,105
EXPENSES
Bank Charges & Fees8986982995063853112,0258,21716,05912,584
Copying, Printing and Mailing00000086000
Entertainment and Promotional Items0000000000
Land Package - Site Contracted Cost156,308186,797134,817234,193153,667240,286162,320139,114197,582322,622
Tips (or included in land package)10,66610,50011,04310,7307,91300011,6000
Office Supplies000638065613811,9331,097
Insurance00003,1143,1183,0633,0604,1803,171
Raffle Prizes Purchased & Expenses2,8001,9002,8803,9502,6502,9601,9021,2891,5001,750
Event Expenses1,2431,4651,8561,7063,4592,8221,12902,2243,565
Tax Preparation Fees808080808080808019090
Taxes and Permits5050505050505050150100
Website and Internet Development6095571,139849317180132132175240
TOTAL EXPENSES$172,654$202,047$152,164$252,701$171,634$249,872$170,847$152,323$235,593$345,219
NET INCOME FROM DFL$91,075$73,334$99,650$113,161$100,912$65,411$139,641$96,612$113,758$105,886

PATRICK KELLY - FOUNDER OF DIVING FOR LIFE A Tribute by April Gallo

One who “lives to dive” can also “dive to live.”

One who "lives to dive" can also "dive to live." So proved Patrick Kelly when he gave birth to the First Annual Diving for Life Scuba Jamboree in 1992.