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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.
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, 2026
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.
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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 | |
| 297,857 | Village Dive Club, New York |
| 214,555 | Northern California Rainbow Divers, San Francisco |
| 204,695 | Lambda Divers, Washington, DC |
| 100,622 | Ruby Red Flippers, Portland Oregon |
| 86,780 | Oak Lawn Ski and Scuba Club, Dallas |
| 35,760 | San Diego Rainbow Scuba Club |
| 34,820 | Gay And Lesbian Underwater Group, London, UK |
| 31,320 | Bottom Dwellers, Seattle |
| 30,146 | SUBS Australia |
| 29,517 | Sea Squirts, North Carolina |
| 28,980 | Stonewall Divers, Dallas |
| 26,683 | Triangle Divers, Boston and New England |
| 20,039 | Barnacle Busters, Los Angeles |
| 18,338 | Toronto Rainbow Reef Rangers, Canada |
| 3,469 | Sunshine Athletic Association, South Florida |
| 3,080 | Rainbow Divers Club, Seattle |
| 1,600 | DFL Board Designated |
| 620 | None - 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 Rebates | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Auction - Live Auction Income | 3,834 | 7,526 | 2,530 | 10,331 | 9,620 | 13,551 | 13,275 | 7,375 | 12,900 | 10,530 |
| Auction - Silent Auction Income | 12,470 | 11,200 | 16,010 | 15,020 | 13,520 | 18,575 | 32,535 | 16,925 | 29,912 | 31,175 |
| Contributions to DFL (incl from Clubs) | 12,273 | 4,307 | 4,557 | 5,242 | 5,954 | 4,290 | 4,326 | 1,613 | 10,192 | 24,137 |
| Participant Cancellation Dep Retained | 5,100 | 7,344 | 3,900 | 13,150 | 16,683 | 6,150 | 11,245 | 15,345 | 10,500 | 2,623 |
| Interest Income | 478 | 271 | 226 | 370 | 277 | 322 | 510 | 648 | 668 | 180 |
| Other Income - CC Fees Charged | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merchandise Revenue | 0 | 480 | -30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,919 | 0 |
| Raffle Ticket Sales | 16,685 | 16,280 | 16,875 | 21,858 | 15,916 | 15,976 | 19,990 | 13,720 | 20,000 | 22,020 |
| Participant Registration Fees | 212,889 | 227,974 | 207,746 | 299,891 | 210,576 | 256,419 | 228,608 | 193,310 | 261,260 | 360,440 |
| 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 & Fees | 898 | 698 | 299 | 506 | 385 | 311 | 2,025 | 8,217 | 16,059 | 12,584 |
| Copying, Printing and Mailing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 86 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Entertainment and Promotional Items | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Land Package - Site Contracted Cost | 156,308 | 186,797 | 134,817 | 234,193 | 153,667 | 240,286 | 162,320 | 139,114 | 197,582 | 322,622 |
| Tips (or included in land package) | 10,666 | 10,500 | 11,043 | 10,730 | 7,913 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11,600 | 0 |
| Office Supplies | 0 | 0 | 0 | 638 | 0 | 65 | 61 | 381 | 1,933 | 1,097 |
| Insurance | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,114 | 3,118 | 3,063 | 3,060 | 4,180 | 3,171 |
| Raffle Prizes Purchased & Expenses | 2,800 | 1,900 | 2,880 | 3,950 | 2,650 | 2,960 | 1,902 | 1,289 | 1,500 | 1,750 |
| Event Expenses | 1,243 | 1,465 | 1,856 | 1,706 | 3,459 | 2,822 | 1,129 | 0 | 2,224 | 3,565 |
| Tax Preparation Fees | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 190 | 90 |
| Taxes and Permits | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 150 | 100 |
| Website and Internet Development | 609 | 557 | 1,139 | 849 | 317 | 180 | 132 | 132 | 175 | 240 |
| 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.