Page "Georgia Aquarium" Paragraph 37

In June 2008, the aquarium announced its " Swim With Gentle Giants " program.

This allows divers or snorkelers to swim with the whale sharks.

Up to eight guests are allowed in the water at a time.

Generally, there is one dive and one swim every weekday, and two dives on weekends although the program is open to custom groups.

There is some controversy over the swim program because two of these sharks died in 2007 while in captivity at the Georgia Aquarium.

Some experts feel that the human contact would expose the sharks to exotic germs.

Visiting divers are instructed to keep a five-foot distance from the whale sharks and other fish while in the in tank.

Divers are also able to document their experience with a commemorative DVD.