Take scuba lessons from a PADI affiliated dive shop in NYC, then join the Aquatic Voyagers Scuba Club.

We are doing a Discover Scuba Diving actiivity at the Hopewell Community Center swimming pool on Saturday, January 26, 2013 starting at 9:00 a.m.  If you live within 50 miles of Hopewell, VA, it may be worth your while - it is a free activity.  Otherwise, you may have to come to Lake Rawlings when it warms up to take scuba lessons.  You must be able to swim 200 yds non-stop, thread water or survival float for 10 minutes, and swim U/W a minimum distance of 45' (a Lake Rawlings standard).  If you go to our website at www.LakeRawlings.com, you will find a link on our home page for an on-line program.  Make sure you can meet the standards outlined above before going that route.

You should talk with your swim coach about possibilities.

Ryan, I saw your question to Jayson, so I will share some information with you.  If you are truly competitive in swimming, HBCU's like Florida A&M University, Howard University, Alabama A&M, Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, Tennessee State University, etc. all have excellent swim teams.  Look them up and go from there.  Best!