
Played by: Tennessee Aquarium volunteer
SCUBA divers
Years Active: 6
Where to Find Scuba Claus: At the Tennessee Aquarium, SCUBA diving in the River Journey in his red suit, from the weekend before Thanksgiving through the weekend before Christmas
CS: We all know that you live in the North Pole. How did you end up in Tennessee?
SCUBA Claus: A friend at the Tennessee Aquarium noticed I had a bit of downtime just before the holidays. I really love to SCUBA dive so he thought I might enjoy coming here for a few weeks. Ho, Ho, H2O, I like to say!
CS: How do you interact with guests when
you are underwater?
SC: I’m in the River Journey so I can’t communicate with words, but I don’t let that stop me from interacting with the girls and boys who come to visit me. Their eyes light up when they see me swimming in the tank. Sometimes I play rock, paper, scissors. I like to wave and lots of parents snap pictures of children with me waving beside them.
CS: What is it like to swim in that big red suit?
SC: Well, here at the aquarium, the exhibits are kept at a comfortable temperature for the fish but it feels pretty cool to me. The suit helps keep me warm in the chilly water. Plus, I feel most comfortable in my business suit, even when I have my diving equipment on over it.
CS: Do you often SCUBA dive when you aren’t making and delivering toys?
SC: Yes, I do it as often as Mrs. Claus will let me. She doesn’t mind too much because scuba diving helps keep me in shape. We all know I have a belly like a bowl full of jelly and I have to make sure I can fit through the chimney.
CS: Does anyone bring you cookies when you are working at the Aquarium?
SC: Cookies? No, but I get lots of treats. I always have my fill of Little Debbies and Moon Pies when I’m in Chattanooga. Yum!
CS: What do the elves think of you swimming with the fish?
SC: Well, I do feel bad that I’m here enjoying myself while they are working so hard, but I try to send them elfies every time I get the chance, you know, to keep their spirits up.