Zale Parry, one of the most influential figures in the history of recreational scuba diving, has died at the age of 93.
Known to generations of divers as the ‘First Lady of Diving’, the American diver broke new ground in underwater exploration, equipment development, diver training, film and photography during a career that spanned more than 70 years.
Paying tribute following her death, the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) said Parry was much more than a diving pioneer, describing her as ‘a cherished friend, a passionate supporter, and for many years the Hall of Fame Ambassador at DEMA Show, where her warmth, generosity, and enthusiasm made everyone she met feel welcome.’
Parry was among the small group of men and women who helped establish recreational scuba in the 1950s. In 1954, she set a women’s depth record of 63.7m (209ft) while testing the Hope-Page non-return valve mouthpiece in open water.
Hope-Page non-return valves, which prevent water from entering the breathing hoses of a regulator should the diver’s mouthpiece be dislodged, were a major safety improvement for the twin-hose regulators in use at the time.
Parry’s depth during the dive was not an attempt to break the record for its own sake, but rather a depth set to prove the technology could function under demanding conditions.
She also became the third woman to graduate from the prestigious Los Angeles County Underwater Instructor Certification Course, one of the first formal instructor training programmes in the United States.
Parry became one of the most recognisable ambassadors of scuba diving during its early years as a recreational activity. She appeared in the television series Sea Hunt, performing stunt work, acting as a technical adviser and teaching the show’s star, Lloyd Bridges, to scuba dive.
She also doubled for Sophia Loren in the 1957 film Boy on a Dolphin and worked on numerous other film and television productions, including an episode of the 1965 TV Series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.
As one of the first underwater photographers and an accomplished writer, Parry co-founded the International Underwater Film Festival in 1957 and became the first female president of the Underwater Photographic Society.
Later in her career, she helped document the early history of scuba through books on the development of recreational diving in the United States.
Parry’s influence on scuba diving extended far beyond the silver screen, as she was instrumental in the development of hyperbaric medicine for recreational diver safety.
Together with her husband, Dr Parry Bivens, Parry co-founded Scientific Underwater Research Enterprises (SURE), a California-based diving equipment testing and engineering company that helped develop and market the state’s first civilian hyperbaric chamber.
Her achievements were recognised with induction into both the Women Divers Hall of Fame and the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame.
She also received the NOGI Award for Distinguished Service and DEMA’s Reaching Out Award, and in 2006, established the Zale Parry Scholarship at the Academy of Underwater Arts & Sciences to support students pursuing careers in undersea exploration, marine conservation, hyperbaric medicine and diving technology.
‘Zale’s extraordinary career spanned decades and helped define the modern diving industry,’ DEMA said in its tribute. ‘Through education, entertainment, innovation, and mentorship, she inspired generations of divers and helped shape recreational diving into the global community it is today.’
Although honoured for her many achievements, Parry remained a familiar presence at industry events, particularly DEMA Show, where she served for many years as Hall of Fame Ambassador.
‘Zale’s passion for diving, generous spirit, and unwavering support of the diving community will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her,’ DEMA said.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the Zale Parry Scholarship.
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