Fortunately, diving accidents are rare. But when something goes wrong, you’d like to know that there’s a safety net available. The last thing you want to hear is, “Sorry, there’s nothing we can do.” Fortunately, that’s NOT the case here in SoCal. Since 1974, divers have relied on the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber to bail us out when things go wrong. And once again, our Chamber is counting on you.
We should start with this piece of information:
Chamber Day 2024 is Wednesday, May 1st.
Once again, we’ll be in-person for both for Chamber Day and Chamber Eve. In addition, because we realize some of you are still not comfortable attending this type of a large in-person event, there are options to participate virtually in either or both as well.
One important thing to point out is that your Chamber remained open and operational all throughout the pandemic. We didn’t shut things down but stood at the ready if a diver needed us (and some did). So while other businesses may have been able to cut expenses during the pandemic, that’s NOT the case with your Chamber. Our expenses generally stayed the same as they would have in a normal year, so YOUR support is still vital.
It’s also important to know that ALL monies raised by this event go to the Chamber. No administrative fees are deducted from the proceeds. Even though the economy has been improving for a while, we know these are still trying times for many of you and we hope you’ll still give some thought to doing one or more of the aspects of the event, knowing that your donations will be put to good use.
Here’s how you get involved (there’s more detailed info on the pages for each specific aspect of the event):
CHAMBER DAY – We’ve got seven boats ready to show you underwater SoCal on May 1. In alphabetical order they are: Giant Stride, Liberty (free diving only), Pacific Moon, Pacific Star, SoCal Diver, Sundiver, and Sundiver Express. Collectively those boats will have 119 spots available this year.
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN – The original virtual (fake) dive boat and the ultimate way to social distance as well as a perennial favorite of many.
THE CHAMBER CHALLENGE – Direct donations which can also be in someone’s honor/memory. Special recognition for those contributing $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 (the last one new being a new level this year).
CHAMBER EVENING (IN-PERSON PLUS A VIRTUAL OPTION) – We liked having some extra room last year but we’ve also got heavier demand this year so we’re expanding slightly and limiting attendance to 350 people (35 tables of 10 – in years past we’ve had as many as 450). All of the tables are sponsored/hosted by various shops, clubs, or boats. And with this somewhat limited attendance, tables will fill quickly. Some stores have told us they already have commitments for all of their seats. So you won’t want to be left out.
For more detailed information about each of these aspects, click the link at the bottom of the page. We prefer that you sign up through our Online Sign-Up Form, but you can also call Chamber Day HQ at (310)652-4990.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 1st and Chamber Day & Eve 2024. Hope to see you there!!!
Ken Kurtis, Chairman, Chamber Day 2024
Karl Huggins, Director, USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber
