Soddy Daisy resident Michael Miller is the genius behind Chattanooga's favorite lemonade stand, Miller's Lemonade. But when he's not serving up huge cups of his sweet lemonade and tea, he's scuba diving all over the world and even here in the Chattanooga area.
Miller is also a volunteer scuba diver at the Tennessee Aquarium, where he cleans and feeds our underwater friends, helps out with educational programs, and even stares down the aquarium's sharks.
How did you begin your diving career?
I gained my certification through Leisure Time dive shop that used to operate in Chattanooga. I have close friends who were SCUBA divers and they always said, "Get certified and go dive with us." They are divers who introduced my wife and I to diving. They are experienced and excellent dive partners. They have also been volunteer divers at the Aquarium.
When and where was your first dive?
My first dive for certification was at a rock quarry in Philadelphia, Tennessee between Chattanooga and Knoxville. It was my certification dive. I remember several bass and brim, and very cold water as I accomplished my skills.
Why do you dive?
My family has always loved the water. After we became certified, we took off to Key Largo, Florida. The total experience of preparing your gear to dive from the boat, riding to the dive sites, and the diving gave me such a thrilling experience that I had to have more.
What is the most compelling aspect of diving?
It's an activity that my wife and I can enjoy as a couple. But, I think the most compelling aspect is the beauty of sea life, not knowing what awaits you under the water and the underwater world that I would have never experienced without diving.
How many hours or dives can you estimate you've done? What has been your favorite?
Over 500 hours diving, in various types of conditions and weather. I was diving at the Ocoee River and the water was cold as I was easing into the river. I heard a splash on the bank of the river. I thought it was a rock rolling into the water. I was chest deep in water and about 5 seconds later a head popped out of the water about 15 feet from me. It was an otter checking me out. I was in a black wet suit and a black hoodie. He must have thought I was the biggest otter that he or she had ever seen!
Where's your next dive?
I'll be travelling to Belize with my wife and another diving couple in February. It's going to be a nice little Valentine's Day trip and we're excited about it.
Chattanooga isn't necessarily a diving hot spot. Do you dive around here? If so, where?
I do prefer to dive in warm water areas. But, you can dive in the river or the lake. There are also several rock quarries near Chattanooga where you can dive. One in Philadelphia, Tennessee; one in Meigs County, and one in Huntsville, Alabama, to name a few. They are cold-water dives, but with the proper gear that isn't a problem.
How did you get involved in the Aquarium Dive Program?
I had friends that were divers at the Aquarium and they encouraged me to become involved. I have been a part of the Aquarium SCUBA program for four years. My favorite memory of diving at the Aquarium is feeding the Stingrays and the moray eels in the "old" Gulf of Mexico tank.
Why should local divers volunteer at the Aquarium's SCUBA program?
They would increase their dive skills, learn more about aquatic life, learn better safety procedures and increase knowledge of the dive equipment. The divers come from a wide variety of backgrounds. If you love the water and enjoy adventure and the mystery of what is next to experience-then SCUBA certification and diving is for you.
Apply to Dive
The Tennessee Aquarium is holding a volunteer drive to help recruit local divers to participate in the diver program. The program currently has 180 volunteers, but because they are spread out between 7 dives a day, 363 days a year, the roster always has space for more divers. Volunteer divers must be at least 18 years of age, SCUBA certified, have completed 25 dives after certification and 12 open dives in the past 3 years, and pass an in-water skills test. Volunteer divers will be responsible for cleaning tanks, feeding wildlife and participating in the aquarium's educational dive programs. Volunteer divers complete dives every 4 weeks at a minimum and must be able to commit. Orientation paperwork is due Jan. 16, 2015 and the diver orientation meeting is Jan 22. For more information and the recruitment paperwork, visit tnaqua.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-diver.
Vitals
Michael Miller
AGE:
I am 56 years young.
OCCUPATION:
Originator and owner of Miller's Original Lemonades, which vends at special events like Chattanooga Market, Nightfall and Riverbend.
HOMETOWN:
Born and raised in Soddy Daisy.
PETS:
My wife and I have a shepherd dog and an albino corn snake. We have always had dogs, cats or other animals.
FAMILY:
I have been very fortunate to live in the same city with my parents (who have now passed), our children, my brother, aunts and uncles, in-laws, cousins and several other extended family members.
FAVORITE WEEKEND ACTIVITY:
When not working, I love venturing out into Chattanooga with my family and friends. Even though I have grown up in this area, there are so many activities to engage in and experience in our city. I am very proud of our city and all that
it has to offer.