Submitted by Washington State Parks.

Did you know, you can SCUBA dive at several of your state parks — including Lime Kiln?

Cold weather Scuba diving is popular in the Northwest, and Washington waters are among the premier places to dive in the country, says Mike Racine, a western Washington diving enthusiast. Undersea life in our region is vibrant and beautiful.

Diving during the colder months can offer improved visibility. There’s less sunlight, which means lower production of plankton to cloud the water.

From rocky reefs to wrecks, there’s almost no end to what you’ll find beneath the surface.

The Basics

Ready to give this exciting sport a try? Diving can be an expensive endeavor, but we’ve gathered some pro tips for diving into diving without depleting your pocketbook — and staying safe!

• Get certified! All divers must take a basic open-water certification course before diving. Most dive shops have classes, or you can search online for an instructor in your area. You will not be able to rent equipment without your certification card.

• It’s cold out there. At bare minimum, you will need a full wetsuit at least 14 millimeters thick that covers the entire body, said Janna Nichols, an avid diver and Citizen Science Program Manager at Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Nichols strongly recommends Washington divers also invest in a dry suit.

• Rent equipment. You may need to buy some equipment, such as your hood, mask and fins. However, you can rent some necessities from dive shops until you are certain you want to invest.

• Don’t forget your swim friends! Always dive with a buddy. Start with easy shore dives as you get used to the sport. Go with a friend who has been on more dives than you, or join one of the many local area dive clubs that organize group dives.

• Know the conditions. Check the currents and tides. Check online for information about the site and/or ask other divers about the dive you are interested in.