BOULDER, Colorado — An elderly woman who may have been persuaded to learn how to scuba dive by false dive industry advertising that "scuba diving is safer than bowling" nearly drowned during a beginner's scuba course. Authorities told CDNN that Melba Ellis, 69, was rushed to Boulder Community Hospital on Sunday after a scuba diving accident at about 11:30 am at the South Boulder Recreation Center. According to witnesses, the woman was participating in a beginner's scuba diver course promoted and sold by Weaver's Dive and Travel Center, a PADI 5-star store located in Boulder that uses the public pool for its entry-level scuba diving courses. Owner Steve Weaver did not respond to CDNN inquiries about the accident. Paul Bousquet, communications manager for Boulder's Parks and Recreation Department, said the woman apparently panicked and bolted to the surface where she was found unconscious. A lifeguard pulled her from the pool and started CPR. Hospital officials have not yet released information about the woman's condition. | 
