Under the Sea (in Mill Bay)

27 October 2026Ava B, Hope ‘27

Over the past few weeks, our brand new “Suba Divers,” as Mr. Miller likes to call them, have been going on their first few saltwater dives! This has been a long time coming, and it has been a very painstaking process, with the first few weeks being ‘E-Learning’ and the skills work being exacting. This is a long process, but it is worth it, according to Gavin H, Privett ‘28: “I’ve never done something like this, and I don’t think I would have done this if it weren’t for Brentwood!“

This sport is relatively new to Brentwood but has had a huge impact on current and former students. Current and senior diver Riley HM, Hope ‘27, spoke to me about the lasting impact that this has had on her: “At first, it was just about connecting with friends,” but then it developed into more than just a way to bond. “This community of people who genuinely care about the ocean and marine life pushed me in a direction I never thought I would go.”

This program has been a beloved pursuit for the coach, Mr Miller, and the instructor, Chris Blondeau, who have striven to make this one of the most inclusive spaces at Brentwood as well as a place to learn and protect the wildlife that surrounds us. “We have such a unique opportunity on Brentwood’s campus to see things that others can’t, so Chris and I really push to protect it as much as we can,” enthused Mr Miller. That impact has rubbed off. “This is not just a club or sport for me; it’s the program that pushed me to go into marine life conservation,” says Riley.

As a new diver, I can attest to that. This community has had one of the largest impacts on how we, as Brentonians, see and observe wildlife. I have only just joined the program, and I can feel the passion and genuine community in this group.

Even if it’s scary at the start, with everything being a bit silly, from the dry suits to how big the BCDs (Buoyancy Control Devices) are compared to us, there is nothing that you can do that is embarrassing; everyone is learning a new skill and putting themselves in uncomfortable situations. “Even as an experienced diver, I can admit that everyone makes a mistake, and no one should be scared to do so,” said Max J, Rogers ’27, Captain of Scuba.

This program is more than just a regular sport; it’s a space that shows grit, joy, and humility. The scuba program is one of the many programs at Brentwood that fulfill this philosophy – but it’s the only one to do so below sea level.

Ava B, Hope ‘27

Where Students Choose To Be