What To See

Dutch Springs Diving and Recreation Facility features a 47 acre freshwater lake which has been set up specifically for SCUBA diving with underwater platforms, submerged vehicles, aircraft, and other sights to see, and a variety of interesting fish life including rainbow trout, palamino trout, largemouth bass, bluegills, carp, and goldfish. For non divers, Dutch Springs is a place for picnicking, boating, swimming, and snorkeling.

Underwater Features:

• Submerged Airplane - A single engine Cessna airplane was sunk in 1983 in approximately 30' of water. This is a good dive for beginners because of the relatively shallow water and proximity to the island.
• Submerged Platforms - Wooden platforms are anchored in place in various locations and provide an ideal setting for checkout dives, practice of new skills, or just an underwater "landmark" where divers can gather at the beginning or end of a dive. Fourteen 20'x20' platforms are at a depth of approximately 25' and two are at a depth of about 60',
• Sikorsky H-37 Helicopter - The most recent and premier attraction at Dutch Springs is the Sikorsky H-37 helicopter, donated to Dutch Springs by Mr. Peter Wright, owner of Keystone Helicopter. The helicopter, sunk in November 1995, is 88' long (including rotors), 27' wide, and 22' high, and is suspended in the water with the top at about 25' deep and the bottom at 55'. It is penetrable by experienced divers through several openings along the sides of the aircraft or through the direct openings to the surface in the cockpit and just behind the main rotor.
• Submerged Pump Station and Pipes - When limestone was being quarried for the cement industry, water constantly accumulated as the stone was removed. The pump station, pumping platform, and three 16" pipes once used to keep the area dry remain today in the east end of Dutch Springs.
• Silo - An old silo still stands, partially submerged, in 20' - 30' of water.
• Sunken Cabin Cruisers - There are four wooden cabin cruisers (one is not marked and is ideal for natural navigation training) ranging in depth from 40' to 70'. These were among the first attractions to be sunk at Dutch Springs in the early 1980's.
• Silver Comet - The Silver Comet is a 50' metal pilot boat and was sunk in September of 1994 (depth 65'). It was built and used for the World's Fair in New York City and subsequently ferried crews to their ships on the Delaware River near Philadelphia
• Submerged Auto / Van - A submerged van (depth 40') with doors and hood removed allows divers to swim around and through the vehicle. An automobile (depth 90') provides another interesting experience for divers who wish to visit one of the deeper portions of the lake. .
• Submerged Fire Truck - This fire truck, placed at a depth of approximately 25', is accessible to new and experienced divers alike.
• School Bus -After giving years of dependable and safe service carrying school children, this bus was sunk in October 1995 at Dutch Springs (depth 50'), where it will now amuse divers for many years. The doors have been removed from this vehicle, offering qualified divers an opportunity to practice penetration skills.
• Trolley - This ex-SEPTA President's Conference Committee car was built in 1946 by the St. Louis Car Co. for the Kansas City Public Service Co. It ran in Kansas City until 1955 when it was sold along with 39 similar cars to the Philadelphia Transportation Company and spent most of its life running on Route 50 (4th and 5th Streets). SEPTA took over PTC in September 1968.
• Submerged Tanker - A tanker truck rests upright on the bottom (depth 70-80'). While penetration of the vehicle itself is not possible, this site offers divers some experience in deeper water and with limited visibility.
• Diamond Reef System - The Diamond Reef System, a group of seven diamonds made from PVC piping, is installed here on one of the submerged platforms at a depth of 25'. This allows divers to practice and fine-tune their buoyancy control, and can also be used by instructors to evaluate students' buoyancy control skills.

From Pittsburgh

1. PA Turnpike (I-70/76) East to I-81 North
2. I-81 North to I-78/Rt. 22 East
3. I-78/Rt. 22 East to Rt. 191 North
4. North on Rt. 191 to Hanoverville Road (approx. 1 mile north of Rt. 22)
5. make left, Dutch Springs is approx. 1 mile on left.

ADMISSION (per day)

• $17.00 - Diver
• $10.00 - Non-diver
• $5.00 - Children (non-divers) 5 to 11 years, May 15 - Sept. 30
• Instructor with current certification card - FREE
• $5.00 - Night Dive (Saturday night only, instructor supervision required)
• $5.00 - Camping (Saturday night only, instructor supervision required)

Hours

April 10 - December 12, 1999: Weekends and Summer Holidays - 8am - 6pm

Memorial Day to Sept. 30: Weekdays - 10am - 6pm

No admission after 4:00pm

Other times by Appointment Only

• All divers must present proof of certification by a nationally recognized agency to participate in SCUBA (exceptions include only those participating in diving classes under the supervision of a certified diving instructor).
• Buoyancy compensator, pressure gauge, timing device, and depth gauge will be required for all divers.
• No artifacts, property, or underwater structures may be chipped, damaged, or removed from the site.
• Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• No one is permitted to dive alone.
• No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will be allowed on the site.
• No pets allowed on the site.
• No motor boats or sailboats.
• No jumping or diving from the cliff.
• No open fires.
• Underwater vehicles must be registered at the office daily.
• No spear guns or other weapons.
• No fishing.