Couple get engaged while diving with sharks at Skegness Aquarium

A visit to Skegness Aquarium turned into an unforgettable occasion for one couple after a surprise marriage proposal took place beneath the water – surrounded by sharks.

James Walsh surprised his girlfriend, Paige Cook, by popping the question while the pair were taking part in one of the aquarium’s shark diving experiences.

The couple, from Wendover in Buckinghamshire, had travelled to Skegness after James bought Paige the diving experience as a Christmas present.

But Paige had no idea that James had organised an additional surprise.

Surprise proposal inside Skegness Aquarium shark tank

James had contacted Skegness Aquarium before their visit to arrange the proposal, with staff helping him plan the moment inside the tank.

During the dive, the couple were separated from the rest of their group before a member of the aquarium team appeared with a sign asking: “Will you marry me?”

James then got down onto the sandy floor of the aquarium tank to propose.

Unable to speak while wearing her diving equipment, Paige gave her answer using the underwater “OK” hand signal.

She said she had been completely shocked by the proposal and admitted that, for a moment, she was more concerned about becoming so excited that she might run out of air.

Paige had always wanted to try scuba diving and swim alongside sharks, making the surprise proposal an even more memorable addition to the experience.

James said he chose Skegness Aquarium because he wanted the proposal to take place somewhere unusual and memorable.

There was, however, another concern to contend with.

James had the engagement ring secured to his wrist while inside the tank and admitted he had been slightly nervous about the possibility of one of the sharks getting hold of it before he could complete the proposal.

Fortunately, both the ring and the proposal went exactly to plan.

Skegness Aquarium helps couple create memorable proposal

Jamie Elvidge from Skegness Aquarium said the shark diving experience already provides visitors with plenty of adrenaline before the added excitement of a marriage proposal is thrown into the mix.

The unusual engagement has provided another memorable moment at the popular Skegness attraction, with the couple now able to say their engagement began several metres underwater and in the company of sharks.

And despite being surrounded by marine life at the time, Paige said the surprise briefly made her forget she was even inside the tank.