2013 Scuba Camp Registration Has Begun

Register and pay by 1 Apr 2013 and save $50 per person, excluding chaperones. Looking for something great for the kids to do this summer? Something that will last them a lifetime? Children ages 12-17 who belong to a Church Youth Group or the like, Boy Scout Troops, Girl Scout Troops, etc. can benefit from the week long Scuba Camp Program at Lake Rawlings.

See our Scuba Camp page for more information or call today and reserve your dates. (800) 279-8992

Dive Virginia and other great places and let Lake Rawlings staff do all the arrangements! These trips are created to provide a great SCUBA diving experience for the person that wants some diversity and continuing education. Go on one of our trips and just enjoy the dive or you can select from one of the many Adventure, Advanced or Speciality dive that are offered. By signing up for one of our trips you will enjoy an extra savingd in any econtinuing education you may choose to accomplish. Our North Carolinia trips are arranged so that the Open Water diver looking to expand their diving education or Advanced divers looking for a great dive will enjoy the trip. Speciality dives like those in the Cooper River provide advanced divers a challange and the possibility of recovering some great old artifacts.

Sign up early and save! Sign up Today!

Find out more on our Trips & Travel page.

ScubaJam Virginia

program was created to provide a great SCUBA diving experience to BSA registered youths, boys and girls, ages 12-20. The event has been created by interested divers representing dive shops, scuba training operations, and various BSA Troops and various BSA Troops and Venturing Crews. Watch the action from 2011 on this You TUbe Video.

Coming again to Lake Rawlings Labor Day Weekend!

Find out more at the ScubaJam web site or download the 2012 ScubaJam brochure.

Military Programs

were created as one way of saying thank you to the dedicated individuals that give so unselfishly. We hope that military members and their families find Lake Rawlings a great place to relax and get away for leave or just a weekend.

See our Military page for more information or call today for more information. (804) 478-9000

Handicapped Scuba Divers

Handicapped students are trained and certified according to HSA Physical Performance Standards and a multilevel Certification system so exacting and sensitive it enables us to train people with a wide range of disabilities, including paraplegia, quadriplegia, even the blind of those with high-functioning brain injuries or mild retardation. Students diving proficiency is based on their ability to assist another diver in the water. The program is developed in conjunction with the major training agencies and will follow their curriculum. Water skills then determine the level of the diver. Call (800) 279-8992 for more information today and get started on your adventure!

PADI Referral Program

Our PADI Referral Program accepts qualified referrals from other PADI dive shops, PADI scuba instructors, and yes, divers trained by other scuba agencies. This is a great and economical way to complete your certification!

Find out more on our PADI courses page.

Picnic Shelters

We now have several picnic shelters scattered around the property, mostly up near the staging area; there are ten shelters all total, with more in the works.

We have two styles: 12'x20' and 18'x20'. All shelters are attached to a concrete slab with 7' legs and gable ends. The color of all are blue. Shelters can be reserved for $25 for the weekend (includes Friday thru Sunday, and holiday whenever it occurs), and $15 per day on weekdays.

    

Pavilion Reservations must be submitted on line to begin the process.

Start Your Pavilion Reservation Process Here

Navigation Course

Dr. Neil Stamm of the Newport News Public Schools system, an educator and avid scuba diver, has designed an underwater navigation course for the lake. It's a great way to keep those skills up to date, so give it a try!

Blackhawk Down

Lake Rawlings is proud to announce their newest attraction, a Blackhawk Helicopter Airframe sunk at a depth of ~40’. The Blackhawk Helicopter is mounted on a pedestal standing ~6’ off the bottom of the lake. The Military, Staff and volunteers sank by airlifting the airframe into the water from the parking area, placing it midlake and then moving it to the final resting place. Read More

Due to dry conditions and recent events, we have instituted stricter rules for campfires at the lake. Click here for more information.

Dive Knives

Due to past abuses, dive knives are banned beyond the chain gate leading to the lake. A land violation carries a $150 fine. A diving violation carries a $300 fine. Please do not be caught brandishing or carrying a dive knife! (more information)

Clam Preservation Project

Freshwater Clam (Pelecypoda) - Freshwater Clams are put in rivers and lakes to remove mercury and algae. It's like nature's filter. They are eaten by fish, mink, raccoon, and turtles. They eat dead animals and vegetation. They have something called siphons. One of the siphons takes in food and water. The other carries away wastes. The larvae of the freshwater clams cling to the gills or fins of the fish. They live as parasites on the fish for a short time, then fall to the bottom.

At Lake Rawlings, our freshwater clam population has been seriously threatened by divers who hunt them to feed the fish. This activity must stop! These clams are vital to the ecological balance of the Lake, helping to reduce algae and keep the water clean.

Just like the critters in your favorite reef: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but bubbles!

"Off the street" swimmers

Snorkelers, swimmers, kayaking, camping individuals and groups not part of a diving group, i.e., "off the street" are welcome anytime Lake Rawlings is open Monday through Friday. Camp with us and do a night swim!

Lake Rawlings is primarily a diver-oriented facility with an accent on family group activities. "Off the street" visitors who solely swim or snorkel often overwhelm our divers, and must adhere to the following policy instituted at Lake Rawlings:

Lake Rawlings does not allow "off the street" snorkelers, swimmers and visitors on Saturday and Sunday. Snorkelers, swimmers and visitors who are a part of a diving group (non-diving family members), are most welcome and will be allowed to snorkel or swim so long as they are respectful of our policies and rules.

Images of the Lake

Blackhawk Down


The Miss Laurie




U.S.A.