Scuba-diving Santa brings holiday cheer to fish, museumgoers

Advertisement

Advertise with us

SAN FRANCISCO - It's a busy time for Santa Claus, but he's making time to feed some fish in San Francisco.

Read this article for free:


or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Subscribe and receive a limited-edition Free Press branded hat or tote.

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $205*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/12/2018 (2821 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SAN FRANCISCO – It’s a busy time for Santa Claus, but he’s making time to feed some fish in San Francisco.

The California Academy of Sciences launched its holiday festivities Thursday by having a scuba diver dressed as St. Nick submerge into a coral reef exhibit while dozens of children watched from behind the glass.

The “Scuba Santa” show runs through Christmas Day. It takes place during the morning feed at the Philippine Coral Reef tank at the San Francisco museum.

Volunteer diver George Bell, dressed as Santa Claus, waves to visitors to the Philippine Coral Reef tank at The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. The California Academy of Sciences launched its holiday festivities Thursday by having a diver dressed as Santa Claus submerge into a coral reef exhibit while dozens of children watched from behind the glass. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Volunteer diver George Bell, dressed as Santa Claus, waves to visitors to the Philippine Coral Reef tank at The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. The California Academy of Sciences launched its holiday festivities Thursday by having a diver dressed as Santa Claus submerge into a coral reef exhibit while dozens of children watched from behind the glass. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Volunteer diver George Bell donned his Santa suit, from hat to coal black boots, and scuba gear for a recent feed and fielded visitors’ questions from inside the tank.

The Philippine Coral Reef tank has thousands of reef fish representing about 100 species.

People can watch Santa’s appearance online by webcam .

Volunteer diver George Bell, dressed as Santa Claus, waves to children after speaking inside the Philippine Coral Reef tank at The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. The California Academy of Sciences launched its holiday festivities Thursday by having a diver dressed as Santa Claus submerge into a coral reef exhibit while dozens of children watched from behind the glass. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Volunteer diver George Bell, dressed as Santa Claus, waves to children after speaking inside the Philippine Coral Reef tank at The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. The California Academy of Sciences launched its holiday festivities Thursday by having a diver dressed as Santa Claus submerge into a coral reef exhibit while dozens of children watched from behind the glass. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Report Error Submit a Tip

More Stories

Today’s horoscope

Georgia Nicols 4 minute read Preview

Today’s horoscope

Georgia Nicols 4 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

MOON ALERT: After 7 a.m. today there are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Gemini.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

You’re impulsive, and you are also highly creative. You might have an original idea that surprises everyone. Don’t hesitate to share what you think even if it sounds a bit touchy-feely or too “out there.” Meanwhile, keep hard at work busting your buns.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Read
2:00 AM CDT

Ending special duty helps staff cruisers

Editorial 4 minute read Preview

Ending special duty helps staff cruisers

Editorial 4 minute read 6:36 AM CDT

If you’re not from Winnipeg, the first time you see it can be a little alarming.

Read
6:36 AM CDT

Man who killed truck passenger handed new 12-year sentence

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Man who killed truck passenger handed new 12-year sentence

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Manitoba’s highest court has given a man who shot at a passing truck and killed a 20-year-old woman a 12-year prison sentence for manslaughter.

William Ryerson Thomas Comber, now in his mid 20s, was found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury in December 2022 for the killing of Hailey Dugay on Nov. 17, 2018. Comber was later sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 12 years.

Dugay died after the truck she was travelling in was struck by gunfire late at night on a gravel road near Fraserwood, 90 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

The Court of Appeal struck down Comber’s murder conviction earlier this year and ruled he was instead guilty of the lesser offence of manslaughter.

Read
Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Province accused of meddling in Dynacare contract dispute as strike deadline looms

Carol Sanders 5 minute read Preview

Province accused of meddling in Dynacare contract dispute as strike deadline looms

Carol Sanders 5 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026

The union for hundreds of Dynacare lab employees in Manitoba has accused the provincial government of interfering in contract talks ahead of next week’s strike deadline.

Read
Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026

Letters, Sept. 3

7 minute read Preview

Letters, Sept. 3

7 minute read Updated: 7:55 AM CDT

Candidates are promising change and solutions for infrastructure, crime, homelessness, transit and more. But one major issue has received little attention — Winnipeg city council’s governance model.

Read
Updated: 7:55 AM CDT

Provencher Park eyed for new aquatic centre

Malak Abas 4 minute read Preview

Provencher Park eyed for new aquatic centre

Malak Abas 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026

Provencher Park may be the next site for a new aquatic centre.

Read
Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026