Staff

John “Scuba John” Sackett – PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer , PADI Public Safety Diver Instructor,  SDI Instructor and Public Safety Diver.

Anyone that talks to John for more than a minute will realize how much he loves Diving.  Johns first dive was at Corona Del Mar State Beach, California back in 1978.  He has worked as a Divemaster for years in Kentucky before getting his Instructor rating back in Oct. 2008.  In January 2009 John opened Islanders Dive Center in Bowling Green, Ky. he has since certified over 200 divers, teaches a College scuba Course at WKU and serves the community as a Public Safety Diver for Warren County Rescue.

He loves diving and loves bringing this sport to other people. He is committed to the safety of each of the students.

PADI certifications include:  Public Safety Diver Instructor,PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Full Face Mask, Nitrox , Dry Suit, Deep, Boat, DPV, Multi Level, Night, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Equipment Specialist, Digital Underwater Photography, Search and Recovery, Fish ID, Wreck, Rescue and Underwater Navigation and he is certified as an instructor in each. In adddition John is certified as a Emergency First Responder Instructor.

SDI Instructor certifications include: Open Water Instructor, Instructor for the following; Full Face Mask Diving, Drysuit, Search and Recovery, Night and Limited Visibility, Deep Diver, Nitrox, Search and Recovery, Marine Eco Systems,  Boat, Rescue Diver, Divemaster and Drift.

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Jim  “Rev. Jimmy Ray Ban” Rhea – PADI Divemaster and Discover Scuba

Jim was my first BG Friend, I met him one day before we opened the store, he was at the door saying hey you guys opened? I said we are now come on in and the rest was history. Jim is an awesome diver. His buoyancy skills are legendary. Next time you see a pair of eyes and you look up and see fins on top that’s Jim hovering upside down. Jim is good at making you feel like one of the group and ready to help you when needed.

Certifications include: Divemaster, Dry Suit, Nitrox, Peak, DPV, Navigation, PADI Advanced, PADI Rescue Diver, CPR/First Aid. Master Scuba Diver, Night and Wreck.

Dale Eubanks – PADI Divemaster

I have known Dale the longest and have done 100’s of dives with him. Dale has been a divemaster for years. We met as scout leaders and became good friends. Dale is an excellent divemaster and is good to have around in an emergency. He has worked classes in quarries, springs and in the ocean. Dale will welcome you to class and joke around with you all day.

Certifications include:  Divemaster, Deep, Night, Nitrox, Dry Suit, Deep, Peak, Navigation, PADI Advanced, PADI Rescue Diver, CPR/First Aid.

Jeremy Thomas – PADI Divemaster
Jeremy has a lot of in water skills, which work out well since he is part of the Warren County Rescue Squad’s Dive Team. He is a good friend and Divemaster.  If you have an equipment malfunction he is your man. He is good at task loading and helping the students get their gear in order.

Certifications include:  PADI Divemaster, PADI Advanced, PADI Rescue Diver, CPR/First Aid, CPR Instructor, PADI UW Investigator.

Jennifer Hanna - Sales Associate
Jennifer is a  joy to be around, she is fun, knows the shop really well and is a very caring person and it shows in her customer service. She is working on her open water. We are so glad to have her with us. She attends WKU, works another job and still holds down the islander fort on Saturdays. Thanks Jenn Jenn.

Laura Simms – Sales Associate and Safety Diver

I am so thankful for the day Laura walked in and asked if she could work here. She is a sweetheart. Laura jumped right in moving tanks and stowing gear and she has filled in many times when I was unable to be here. Laura is currently attending WKU. She has started working on her advanced open water and we hope she will become a Islanders Divemaster. Welcome Laura!