Notice Board

Snorkelling News & Views - Autumn 2005 - Winter 2006

"Two in one!"

Unfortunately, because of other commitments, I have been unable to dedicate the necessary time required to edit and compile this issue of 'Snorkelling News and Views' for release before Christmas. So I have agreed with HQ that on this occasion I will compile a joint Autumn 2005 and Winter 2006 issue. I apologise to all that have contributed for the Autumn issue and will endeavour to meet all future releases on time.
Hopefully this 'combined' issue gives you sufficient ideas and 'food for thought' for your continued comments and articles for future issues.
All that's left is for me to wish you all a belated seasons greeting from all at HQ. Happy New Year 2006.
George Parkins, Snork.news@bsac.com

Opt-in to BSAC news

Opt-in is the method that the BSAC has adopted to ensure that our members do not receive 'spam' and junk mail. It ensures that you are provided with all aspects of BSAC news from a variety of sources. If you feel that Snorkelling News & Views is the only communication you receive from headquarters then Opt-In will provide you with the E-Bulletin, BSAC Talk and other important notices that are issued by e-mail.
The process is very simple and only requires you to go on the website and complete a simple form. This will ensure that your e-mail address is added to the growing list of over 8000 members who prefer to receive updates by e-mail. You will continue to receive the usual paper versions that you currently receive but with many more additional news and information postings.
The form that needs to be completed can be found here

ADVANCED SNORKEL INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE RELAUNCHED

The Advanced Snorkel Instructor Training Course (ASITC) has not been offered to the membership over the past four years as it was felt that a major review was needed to bring it up to a more appropriate level and content. After many months of meetings and work sessions our small team put together a pilot course that ran in September 2005.
The event took place on the island of Anglesey in North Wales, at Holyhead Coastguard Centre. There were five candidates, all of whom were very experienced Open Water Snorkel Instructors. Jon Curwin and Howard Crabtree both run very successful branches in the Midlands and the other candidates, Bob & Ruth Healey, along with Beverley Hall, run Tameside Snorkellers Club, which has over 50 members.
The aim of the course has been redefined to read: To provide suitable training to candidates so they are able to progress their instructing ability to an advanced level in order to teach larger groups of snorkellers in open water and to coach potential instructors.
The course was run over two days and started with a review of instructor training to date and how these skills can be advanced. Acting as instructor trainers will become a major role of the new ASIs and so the classroom presentations progressed onto topics involving instructor tutoring and assessment.
With several classroom lessons and a lesson planning tutorial under their belts the group moved to the open water and were presented with a demonstration lesson of how to act as an instructor trainer and instructor using the 'two-hat' process. This was a new concept to the candidates and so the demonstration was then followed by their planned lessons being presented in a similar fashion.
The afternoon session involved group work planning a snorkel diving project so that it included lots of teaching and guidance. The topics selected were setting up and using an orienteering course and a marine survey in shallow water. These two projects were sectioned so that each candidate presented one section of the project. These proved very interesting and quite testing on their new-found skills and abilities.
The Sunday involved more assessment of their ability in many aspects including their theory knowledge, presentation skills of classroom lessons and open water training skills.
I am glad to announce that they all proved very competent ASIs and all gained the new Advanced Snorkel instructor Award. Congratulations to them all.
The course now needs a little more attention to fine-tune the jagged bits that we found and the content of some of the classroom theory sessions. This will take place early in 2006 in readiness for the next course in July programmed to take place in the South, venue to be confirmed.
The weekend proved most enjoyable and it can be said that 'fun was had by all'. What we hope is that with this new revised course content more candidates will put themselves forward for this prestigious award and progress onto becoming instructor trainers.

Top snorkelling sites

In the September issue of Dive Magazine they published a list of the top snorkelling sites in the UK. The top 9 sites listed were;-
1. Trearddur Bay, Anglesey - teeming with marine life
2. The Caves, Loch Long - plumose anemone on several pinnacles
3. Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset - a marine reserve on the Jurassic coast
4. Drawna Rocks, Porthkerris Cove, Cornwall - seaweed grows thick on the rocks in deep greens, reds and even purple.
5. Prussia Cove, Cornwall - One of the prettiest coves in all of Cornwall, particularly notable for its jellyfish, which sometimes occur in dense masses
6. Stair Hole, Lulworth Cove - a good spot for an experienced snorkel diver looking for a more adventurous dive
7. Swanage, Old and New Pier - both piers at Swanage can be rewarding sites for both the novice and experienced snorkel diver
8. North Landing, North Yorkshire - a little treat from the northeast, a shore dive in a sheltered, sandy bay with rocky outcrops and plenty of life
9. Wraysbury Dive Centre, Wraysbury, Middlesex - a serene insight into the marine life that inhabit fresh water lakes. Water beetles, frogs, freshwater crayfish and some monstrous pike can all be seen lurking among the weed.
Do you agree with the choices?
Read the full article on Dive magazine's website:

Other sites considered for inclusion but that didn't make the top 9 included:
Coniston Water, Cumbria - a lake dive in the east shore at the very northern end of Coniston Water which offers a safe snorkelling environment with interesting objects and wildlife to see.
Burnsall, Yorkshire - A river dive just below rapids in bend of River Wharfe:
Boggle Hole is situated at southern end of Robin Hoods Bay Yorkshire, a great dive in the right conditions.
Farne Islands, Northumberland - a boat dive not just for Scuba with the chance to see seals.
Whitby Bay - Yorkshire, several good sites for boat dives in the bay.
Beadnell - Northumberland - dive from shore just north of village, good entry and exits afford the Snorkeller a chance to see the abundant sea life of this coast.
Man O'War Cove, Dorset - next to the great beauty spot of Durdle Dor. ManO'War offers sheltered snorkelling but access is down a long steep path
Pondfield - Dorset; near the lost village of Tyneham, this pretty cove is sheltered and offers dramatic scenery and caves to explore.
Debdale Reservoir, Gorton, Manchester - large Pike and Carp to see besides shopping trolleys, abandoned stolen cars, other dumped stolen equipment and golf balls by the bucket full.
Eight Acre Lake, North Cave East, Yorkshire - a new inland dive facility.
Conger Alley - on the A83 between Succoth and Artgarten, Argyll.
There are 2 old piers which are best snorkelled at low tide when the legs of the piers are alive with crabs, mussels and starfish and the depth is only about 3m.
Trail Island - near Millport on Great Cumbrae in the Clyde. Wrasse, a few crabs, evil-looking jellyfish as well as the possibility to see seals while many gulls cormorants watch Snorkellers while sunning themselves on the rocky outcrops.

So have Dive magazine got it right? Should one of the others be in the top 10? Is your favourite site listed at all?
Let us know what you think of these sites; Email Bob Healey, Northern Snorkel Development Officer: north.sdo@bsac.com or Graham Griffiths, Southern Snorkel Development Officer: south.sdo@bsac.com and we'll put together a master list of the top sites.
See our growing list of snorkel sites in the UK.

The NEW BSAC Forums

The BSAC is proud to announce the launch of the brand new online forums. They went online in late 2005. If you visited the old forums, then look again. These are different, these are new. The NEW BSAC Forums have been designed and built specially for us by a dedicated team of volunteers who have been working for months to give you all of the things you have been asking us for over the years. Now they are ready: www.bsacforum.co.uk
For those of you not familiar with online forums the idea is very simple - it's a place where people can talk to each other, ask questions and discuss things, have the occasional joke with their friends. It's all about communication, reaching out to our Members and fellow divers across the world and keeping in touch. There are many people from HQ, Council and NDC actively using these new forums already, your Area Coach is probably online, our Chairman Marcus is a regular visitor to see what's going on. As well as keeping all of you in touch, the new forums are another channel of communication where we can listen to you, talk to you, help you if we can and involve you in what's going on within the BSAC.

Dorking goes to Swanage

Friday AM
The weekend starts early, setting off to Swanage in Dorset for our annual club weekend. Dorking Snorkelling Club have run an annual weekend in Swanage for over 20 years.
We've arranged for everyone to meet at Leeson House at 11 am - Leeson House is Dorset Education Authorities' Field study centre, just outside Swanage at Langton Matravers - The centre is an old stone country house with lovely grounds that has been fitted out with dormitories, games room and classrooms - an ideal base for the weekend. Gradually everyone arrives. In all we're 7 instructors, 21 Snorkellers and 16 other family members.
After finding our rooms we all go off to Swanage for the first dives in the afternoon.
Friday pm
We assemble at the park by the entrance to the piers, while a small group launch the Club RIB.
Time for a SEEDS briefing, kitting up and then off for weight checks- this always takes time for the first dive of the weekend. The adult group go off in the boat to find the reefs on the other side of the bay. The reefs usually make for an interesting dive-once you find them - a challenge to the navigation skills! Meanwhile the rest of us go off to explore the piers which is always enjoyable. The older groups explore both piers while the younger groups stick to the new pier.
Visibility isn't great so we don't get to see much beyond the occasional diver. However, we all manage good dives around the piers, keeping well away from the fishermen on the pier.
Friday evening
Time to relax and for some of the instructors at the nearby pub!
Saturday am
Wake up to a lovely day but the wind seems quite strong, so the first task is an anxious call to Marine call - They report force 4/5 SW which means the wind will be blowing straight into our original planned site- Kimmeridge Bay.
So time to dust off plan B. We could try Swanage pier again, it should be more sheltered, however it is suggested that this may be an opportunity to try a new dive site for us - Shell Bay by the Sandbanks chain ferry. This will be even more sheltered from winds coming from the SW. The site is recommended for Snorkelling by the excellent 'Dive Dorset' book. So while the rest of the club are at Leeson House lifting balls with ropes, crossing 'rivers' with nothing more than planks and tyres - in other words taking part in teambuilding exercises, 3 instructors go off to inspect conditions at Shell Bay.
Walking across the beach to the dive site it seems calm and protected from the wind. Even better, the area at the end of the beach by the artificial reef looks interesting, so we decide that it's a good alternative plan. We make our plans which include launching the club RIB at Swanage with an experienced Coxswain and 2 assistants to drive round to meet the main party on the beach.
Saturday pm
We meet at the car park by the Sandbanks chain ferry and walk the whole party round to the point where the reef starts. Some want to stop half way along the beach and have to be persuaded to walk just that little bit further. The kids are amused by the sign 'Naturist beach starts 900 metres from here'. This turns out to be a great site.
Everyone kits up and waits for the boat to come round to provide cover. We are just beginning to wonder if there is a problem when we see a familiar speck on the horizon. However there is a problem - the brand new prop guard, advertised as improving safety, has come loose on only its second outing.
We manage to fix the boat and get it crewed to provide safety cover. Four groups go out and have very good dives. This turns out to be an excellent dive site with lots to see along the reef.
Although the channel into Poole Harbour is busy, the traffic keeps well away from the reef where we are. However, there is a moment of worry as a Jetski starts running along the reef oblivious to all those funny looking orange blobs in the seas. Much whistle blowing from the shore and arm waving seems to do the trick as the Jetski stops just 50 metres from one of the groups and only then seems to notice people in the water.
When everyone is safely back from the dives, we send a small party out for a boat ride. Disaster strikes - as the loose prop guard appears to have chewed up the prop itself.
The Coxswain switches to the auxiliary engine and the joy riders are brought back to shore safely. This is followed by an Instructor huddle to decide on a recovery plan - go back to Swanage and collect the spare prop? Or should we collect the trailer and try to recover at a nearby slipway? We explain our plight to the National Trust Warden who kindly arranges for us to recover the boat at their slipway on Studland beach (which is normally just for sailboats). So a small party take the boat round to Studland while a team are despatched to Swanage to get the trailer. All recovered safely. The rest of the party heads back to Leeson House to be in time for dinner.
Saturday evening
The children occupy the TV room so some of the instructors decide to find the pub again.
Sunday am
Orienteering - Setting off from Leeson House each team sets off with a compass, list of coordinates, a map, first aid kit, phone and an adult. The idea is to find picture clues hidden in the countryside down to the sea and over to the country park. The clues build up to help compile a crossword. Minor panic as the organiser realises there's a mistake in the crossword and we have to call all the groups up by mobile phone and read them through the changes The teenagers win the orienteering - must brush up on my compass bearings!

Sunday pm
Off to Kimmeridge after lunch for afternoon diving. The weather is much calmer today, just a gentle breeze. Clear viz and following the ledges in the bay
Boat - by now with a different prop drops a group at the far side of the bay and returns to provide cover. They use the Walkie talkie to keep in touch with the Beach Marshall who is watching over the position of all groups from a high vantage point. Return to Leeson House, once more squeeze in washing kit and a shower before off to dinner - followed by a committee meeting with parents sitting in and offering to help.
Monday - final day
Early check of Marine call and down to Peveril Point before breakfast to check the dive site. This site was recommended to us a by the Eltham Otters branch - it's a very good site, but you need to be careful of wind, tide and currents. All is calm and peaceful. So we return to base for breakfast and to pack and leave Leeson House for the last time this weekend.
We all go to Peveril Point and kit up ready to dive in the Durlston Bay. The boat provides cover, while each group has a successful dive. We see more fish and marine life than we've seen all weekend.
Everyone packs up and it's a big sigh of relief as its all over for another year as we look back another successful and rewarding club trip.

Practical Rescue Management course

Report from a 12-year old snorkeller

I did the Practical Rescue Management course on Sunday 6th November 2005 at Holyhead on Anglesey with the Northwest Region.
I found the course very interesting and informative. It told me about lots of things, like how the helicopters approach someone in the water, or what to do after someone has been rescued.
The practical was very interesting; we were put in charge of a scenario and we had to judge what to do. Some of the scenarios were rescuing snorkellers, some were rescuing divers and one scenario was rescuing a diver collapsed on the beach.
I found my scenario rather hard as everything happened so fast, but it was fun nonetheless.
All in all, I enjoyed the course, and would recommend it to any Snorkeller.
By Dominic Healey, aged 12 years - Ocean Snorkel Diver and Ocean Dive
Well done Dominic!
Editor

Snorkelling Club boats

Does your Club have a boat? Is it fully utilised and value for money.
What cost do you put on the ability to provide both boat cover and access to otherwise inaccessible sites?
Your views for the next issue please.

Action please!

Now to finish on a more positive note, We have initiated a new section entitled 'OUR CLUB' this area is open to all clubs to submit articles about themselves and their activities, the more the merrier. The first features 'Dorking Snorkelling Club' and their annual weekend at Swanage.
Why not jot down a few ideas or memories from last season and send them in.
G. Parkins

Forthcoming Courses

February
11/12 SITC Ireland
March
11/12 SITC Midlands

Remember Details of all forthcoming courses, entry requirements, fees and organisers/contacts can be found in the BSAC 'Programme of events, courses and examinations 2006' or at:
www.bsacsnorkelling.co.uk

Beyond the call of duty!

Anna Bowman from Blairgowrie, was looking for snorkelling lessons for herself, husband and two children. And now has had one! Carol Reid travelled to Blairgowrie - about 2.5 hours - where she had hired the local Leisure Centre pool for one hour.
Beforehand she went to their house and gave them the BSAC PowerPoint presentation (well BSAC's 6 slides + her own 16) to let them all know what was involved - especially any dangers for the benefit of their adventurous 12 year old son. One hour in the pool is not much but enough to show them what was involved with masks, clearing snorkels, entries and surface dives. They all got on very well, only the 7 year old daughter having trouble with the snorkel which they'd bought. I think they were all very grateful and learnt enough to make them careful when on holiday. Carol only charged them £25 for expenses

Snorkelling News & Views - Summer 2005

The 13th SNAV!

For the superstitious, this is the thirteenth issue of 'Snorkelling News and Views' in its present format and unfortunately it's LATE!
Not intentionally I can assure you, only for my sins I have volunteered to draft this and subsequent issues using the BSAC publishing package and I'm slightly 'finger-tied'
They say confession is good for the soul, so I must also admit to not completing the background work on the HSE 'Risk Assessment' samples, so that will be postponed for another issue.
Topically though, when does a piece of 'essential safety equipment' become a 'lethal weapon' (Nothing to do with Mel Gibson or Danny Glover!)
The 'Diving Knife' worn by the majority of snorkellers at open water venues is deemed to be a piece of safety equipment whilst being worn in its sheath in and around the snorkel dive site/kitting up location. Remote from these areas it could be seen by some as a threat! So the recommendation is to remove it and lock it away if you intend to 'wander' away from the dive site.
Another suggestion is to avoid the issue altogether by using divers' scissors!
George Parkins, Snork.news@bsac.com

Opt-in to BSAC news

Opt-in is the method that the BSAC has adopted to ensure that our members do not receive 'spam' and junk mail. It ensures that you are provided with all aspects of BSAC news from a variety of sources. If you feel that Snorkelling News & Views is the only communication you receive from headquarters then Opt-In will provide you with the E-Bulletin, BSAC Talk and other important notices that are issued by e-mail.
The process is very simple and only requires you to go on the website and complete a simple form. This will ensure that your e-mail address is added to the growing list of over 8000 members who prefer to receive updates by e-mail. You will continue to receive the usual paper versions that you currently receive but with many more additional news and information postings.
The form that needs to be completed can be found at the following web address: http://www.bsac.org/etalk/index.html

Headquarters Update

As you will no doubt be aware, the BSAC as the National Governing Body for our sports of scuba diving and snorkelling, has become increasingly more active in the area of safety for all divers and snorkellers, working with the HSE, BDSG, RNLI and MCA to name just a few organisations.
In addition, in the changing climate, we have an increased need to support our members with expert advice and guidance in the event of an insurance claim. Over the past few years, Jim Watson has become increasingly involved in this area at BSAC Headquarters and has spent personal time developing additional expertise in this important field.
To enable Jim to spend more time concentrating in this area, we have created a new and exciting post of BSAC Safety and Development Manager, which will lie out of the Technical Team. Jim will be supported in this important work by Jenny Smith-Hughes, who will also support other HQ departments at busy times.
Alistair Reynolds, Manager of the Technical team, will take on the role of supervising the staffing and co-ordination for the Instructor Training Scheme, supported by our newly appointed administrator, Lorna Alexander. To support Alistair, we will be recruiting a new Technical Advisor who will be responsible for looking after the Coaching Scheme and other areas. A new supporting administrator will also be recruited.
We plan to have the new staff in place before the next annual Coaches' meeting and you will have seen the advertisement for the Technical Advisor in recent issues of DIVE.
Mike Clack will also take a change in direction to use his marketing and sales expertise to springboard the launch of and provide continued support for the new BSAC Schools' policy, together with being responsible for Corporate Snorkelling.
These changes will obviously take a few months to implement, as we need to recruit new and train existing team members, however, the transition to the new structure should be completed by the end of the summer/early autumn.
This restructure has come about after a lengthy period of consultation and revision with the staff and believe we will have an excellent support structure that will be prepared to take the BSAC forward.

DIVE Magazine to incorporate Snorkelling

As a result of recent discussions with DIVE Magazine editor, Graeme Gourley, it has been agreed that snorkelling, as a sport in its own right, will have a feature section in future issues of the magazine. Gourley is very keen for snorkellers to have a dedicated section of each issue, incorporating articles and features about snorkelling in the UK and abroad. The information is best suited for snorkellers if it comes from snorkellers, so DIVE is now looking for editorial to include.
The articles can be on any aspect that you think might interest fellow snorkellers from what makes a successful snorkelling branch, pool training experiences, places to snorkel in open water to octopush, overseas expeditions and what snorkellers would like in the magazine. It is such a fantastic opportunity to have a dedicated section of this popular magazine that we should welcome this with open arms, providing DIVE with the articles we want to read and information we would like to pass on about this sport for all ages.

CSITC in Leith, Scotland

As many of you may know the BSAC provides instructor training for leisure centre and swimming pool staff in order that they can give high quality snorkel training to members of the public. This Corporate Snorkel Instructor Training Course (CSITC) is run along very similar lines to the BSAC Snorkel Instructor Training Course (SITC) and provides the centre staff with recognised training from the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport.
The CSITC is a two-day course where candidates learn the basic snorkel diver skills and theory followed by applying their already-learned instructing skills to this new sport. There is a series of classroom lessons followed by practical pool sessions. On the second day the candidates are assessed in their ability to teach classroom and pool lessons as well as pass a Snorkel Diver theory knowledge assessment.
A course, for 16 staff from four local swimming pools, was run at Leith Waterworld, near Edinburgh, Scotland incorporating an Aquajet Module presented by John Camm from Alpha Distribution who imports the Sea-Doo scooter range of products.
The course was very successful with all staff passing the event with some very high marks in all areas. Several aspects of the course impressed the candidates, who have received instructor training from other associations such as the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and the Swimming Teachers Association (STA). They particularly liked the detailed breakdown of practical skills into small steps and, believe it or not, that we got in the water to teach our students through demonstration and mimic, an approach not used by other associations.
The Aquajet Module gave the staff training in the use and maintenance of the Sea-Doo scooter so that the centres can provide additional water activities to members of the public through the hire of aquajet scooters. With the wave machine at full belt, creating waves some 2 feet in height, the scooters proved great fun for the candidates and sealed an exciting two-day event.
For more details about aquajet scooters visit the website: www.seac.co.uk

OWSITCs for South and Midlands venues

The new style Open Water Snorkel Instructor Training Course (OWSITC) is now seeing it third year in operation, proving a very useful, challenging and enjoyable day event for qualified Snorkel Instructors.
The one-day event provides Snorkel Instructors with all the knowledge and skills to take pool training into open water. The course starts with a theory lesson on the principles of open water training followed by a tutorial that involves planning a series of open water lessons. The afternoon sessions start with a demonstration lesson by the lead instructor to illustrate the main aspects of open water teaching and to give students the opportunity to see the theory in action. This followed by the candidates then presenting their own planned lessons under the watchful eye of their group instructor. At the end of each lesson constructive feedback is provided by the group instructor, and the other course candidates, so as to assist in further improvements in developing your open water training.
This Spring saw two events run nationally; one at Wraysbury outdoor centre in May and another in June at Bartley Green Sailing Club in the Midlands. As a result there are now a further nine candidates on their way to completing the hours of logged open water snorkel training and achieving their OWSI qualification.
Congratulations to all those hardly souls who braved the cold waters and had such a good, fun day.

Advanced Snorkel Instructor Training Course

With the successful review of the OWSITC over the past few years it was time to review the Advanced Snorkel Instructor Training Course (ASITC). This course has not been available for some three years as it was felt that the content at the time was in need of a serious update. Should it be taught from boats? Should it be taught from the shore? Should it in fact involve sea water? Many questions were asked in those early days but with no decisions being made.
This update has now begun with a couple of meetings in February and May of leading Snorkel Instructors Trainers, with experience of writing training programmes.
It has been agreed that the aim of the ASITC is indeed to 'advance' the snorkel instructor's training ability and to prepare them for the role of becoming an instructor trainer. As such the course content includes instructional techniques for larger groups, teaching from a variety of diving platforms, assessing snorkel diver's ability and providing constructive feedback.
The first pilot course will now be run in Anglesey on 24th/25th September at the Anglesey Sea & Surf Centre near Dafarch Bay. We already have four candidates booked on the event but if any OWSI is keen to progress their instructing capabilities and move up to the next level then this is the course for you.
Please contact BSAC HQ for course information and application form.

Disability Discrimination Act

A year ago, we published advice on the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) as it might apply to our Branches. The Act deals with far more than access to public buildings, which is the element that exercised press and local authorities for quite a while.
In fact the DDA applies to anyone supplying goods and or services to the public - and that includes Branches of the BSAC. We are obliged to make our services (recreation and training) accessible to disabled people where reasonable adjustment is possible. Most disabled people can pass a Sport Diving medical.
Until now, Private Members Clubs (PMC) could claim exemption from DDA provisions. Some Branches are closed to the public as PMCs. However, from December this year any PMC with more than 25 members must comply with DDA and at the same time the definition of disability is further extended – see the Disability Rights Commission web-site: www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople
From December 2006, all PMCs are affected by DDA and the BSAC is then obliged to make reasonable adjustments to its qualifications. In fact, we already do this, as anyone who has attended our Disability Awareness SDC will know.
For further information contact Mike Halligan accessibility@bsac.com

Featurette

Snorkelling in the UK

I was a Scuba diver and passionate about this activity until I suffered DCI - my own fault and denial for 5 days didn't help.
So now I'm a passionate snorkel diver!
I've been to Gran Canaria and Cuba (see reports on the BSAC Snorkelling dive site) snorkelling and also Lanzarote, Madeira, New Zealand and Terrigal, near Sydney, in Oz. I have had interesting adventures in all these places but these have been few and far between. It is FAR more difficult to find a good snorkelling site than to find a decent dive site. Weather, wind and waves in particular, will destroy completely a snorkel dive whilst the lucky Scuba divers descend to the seabed where the surface wind and waves don't matter quite so much.
And in spite of the BSAC recommendations to dive with a buddy, it was impossible for me to find a buddy who was willing to go out on a dive boat with the divers as I did in Lanzarote last December. I trailed an SMB on my way to the shallow reef, wearing my dayglo snorkel vest, hoping that the jet skiers/speed boats would be warned off by the nearby dive boat. Where were the divers? Oh they were safely down at 20-odd metres blowing bubbles and well out of harm's way!
What a pity there seems to be so few articles about possible snorkelling destinations on the BSAC Travel site - surely even divers can see when such a site exists and give it a mention even if it was only to give someone an idea of where to go when on holiday.
I harbour ambitions to visit The Maldives, Cayman Islands or Mauritius but will probably end up in any one of those destinations at hurricane or tornado time so my snorkelling will be curtailed once again. Make mental note to check out weather conditions before booking!
What about snorkelling in Scotland?
Well, I can tell you, as Snorkelling Advisor for Scotland that I am not exactly inundated with requests for Open Water, or indeed any, snorkelling. There are often requests for help in the form of advice for families who intend to go abroad but it is not easy to find a pool for them to get any training. It also seems to me that Dive Clubs in Scotland don't really have any time for snorkellers and certainly don't encourage this as a separate activity within their branches.
It is a great pity that BSAC did not continue the Snorkel Try-Dive which we, in our Club, found to be very popular - especially with families.
I have found several good snorkelling sites in Scotland but they are totally dependent on tides and weather and are not usually for any but the most intrepid and fearless adventure seeker - and often require the RIB to get access! I'm lucky that I remained with the Club where I dived and can occasionally join the guys for a boat dive. As Snorkel Instructor within the branch I can also encourage youngsters to train in the Pool and get them kitted out for an OW dive whenever it is possible. Last year we managed two OW dives and so far, in June this year, we've had one at Kenmore in Loch Fyne. Hopefully, we will get more dives in this year since we won an "Awards for All" grant to kit out the youngsters for OW.
However, for anyone showing a little interest there is a dearth of information - especially in Scotland. Clubs in England are much more active and numerous so that most people could find a Club nearby where they would get the necessary training and/or information.
So what would I like?
1 Swimming pools to allow mask, fins snorkel in fenced off lanes.
2 More information on the BSAC snorkelling website on snorkelling sites. (Thanks to the Batley Club for the info there already)
3 More information in the Dive magazine - as a full snorkelling member, I pay £43 like any diver but certainly don't get value for money!
4 More information on the BSAC Travel Club site - more reports from snorkelling members - or diving members who have seen the snorkelling possibilities.
5 A permanent cure for DCI so that I could go diving again.
Carol Reid

Aquadisc Feedback

As I qualified as a snorkel instructor only last year and work in a local swimming pool doing snorkel classes, I am very interested in the newsletter. We have a 3.8m depth and I have found the children very interested our classes which have grown from 1 class per week to 3 classes, over the winter and children seem to really enjoy the classes.
I have recently purchased the Aquadisc and they are great! We have even used them on staff training days for the lifeguards and they found them brilliant. I have no intention of progressing to open water at the moment but I am convinced some of the children I teach will. Their age range is from 8 - 15yrs.
I do think BSAC concentrates a lot on open water and would like to hear more from swimming pools taking part, who knows one day there may even be competitions between pools e.g., snorkel galas now that would be fun!
I hope you continue with the publication and I would like to receive more in future, thanks.
Chris Auckland, Grimsby
Editor’s comment
When the 'BSAC National Snorkelling Club' was the governing body for snorkellers (mainly juniors up to the age of 16), in the North West there were several inter-club snorkelling galas/competitions, e.g. 'It's a knockout', held at Batley and Warrington and open to all the clubs in the area, perhaps similar events were held in other parts of the country?
A junior 'Octopush' competition was staged annually open to all clubs.
Any thoughts for 'resurrecting' either of these, or perhaps a different inter-club competition, based around the aquadiscs?

SNORKELLING IN THE SOUTH

Graham Griffiths, the SDO will be initiating a geographical review of snorkelling clubs within his area, it would help his cause if clubs would contact him to prevent him having to start from ‘cold’. e-mail south.sdo@bsac.com

Snorkelling News and Views - Spring 2005

What do you do in your branch for a little 'light relief' from training? I remember the 'Octopush' matches, Snorkelling 'It's a knockout' competitions and general things such as 'wheelbarrow races', 'raft races' and relays.
Meanwhile if your branch has some other great ideas for 'fun sessions' in the pool why not share your experiences, good and bad!
George Parkins, Snork.news@bsac.com

Spring . . .

. . . and time to look forward to warm weather, sunshine and open water snorkelling, whilst perhaps reflecting on the year that has just gone!
Do the words 'Health and Safety Executive' (HSE) and 'Risk Assessment' strike terror into the heart, or mean nothing apart from something to do with industry and nothing to do with snorkelling! Unfortunately THEY apply to any sport, snorkelling included.
All activities carry an element of risk that can be assessed. In snorkelling terms, that covers everything from pool sessions to open water trips.
The BSAC has prepared a 'Risk Assessment Toolkit' which is available on the BSAC technical services website:
www.bsac.org/techserv/ra/raintro.htm This resource provides guidance to members on how to perform risk assessments which are appropriate to training and open water activities for a variety of conditions. But hey! Don't be fazed by the thought of having to perform a risk assessment, there is no real 'mystique' about it, we all do risk assessments sub-consciously all the time without realising it! BSAC training and procedures equip us to cover most of the statutory requirements without formally calling it risk assessment.
Still not convinced? Would you like further clarification or assistance? With help and guidance from HQ, I will compile some 'typical examples' of formal risk assessments specific to snorkelling for inclusion in the next issue. Unless of course you think this is unnecessary or would prefer a different approach! Please advise.

Aquadisc skimmers

In the winter issue I promised to report back on our branches use of the new 'skimmers' or 'Aquadiscs' (to give them their proper title).
It proved to be an instant success, so much so that we have since purchased another (of the 'sinking' variety) and a set of the floating ones. We are still trying out different games and would appreciate feedback and suggestions from any other branches experiences.
George Parkins, Snork.news@bsac.com

Headquarters Update

New Southern SDO

In January this year Graham Griffiths was confirmed as the new Snorkelling Development Officer (SDO) for the Southern region, as successor to Sally Mutton.
In 1994 my 9-year-old son wanted to join the local Snorkelling branch. I took him along and found it to be a busy and lively club. After a month of dropping off and collecting him, the instructors talked me in to trying it for myself. Before I knew it we were going on open water trips and I trained to be an instructor and eventually an Advanced Instructor.
My daughter joined the club and Snorkelling has become a family activity.
I became the branch secretary and have moved on to become the branch Diving Officer.
Snorkelling has introduced me to a whole area of activities and skills I might never have taken up such as Lifesaving boat handling, instruction as well as the joy of leading parties in the open water. Although I have recently become a diver too, I believe that a properly trained Snorkeller can have more fun without the restrictions of sub-aqua.
Contact Graham at: south.sdo@bsac.com

Resuscitation update - Advice regarding rate of administration of Artificial Ventilation (AV)

The BSAC does not recommend a rate for AV that is applicable with all casualties in all rescue scenarios. The essential feature of AV, like all other rescue techniques, is its effectiveness. The effectiveness of AV is assessed and monitored by observing the casualty's chest rise and fall, the sound of the exhalations and the ease of inflation of the chest. This allows the rescuer to monitor the degree of inflation provided with each breath ensuring that there is neither under nor over inflation. The rescuer will also be able to recognise when the casualty's exhalation has ceased (when the chest has ceased falling and the sound of the exhalations has ceased). When this occurs, it is time to provide another breath to re-inflate the chest. This method automatically sets both the rate of AV and the volume by which the chest is inflated, appropriately for the particular casualty's build. A slightly built, slim person will therefore be ventilated more shallowly, but at a higher rate, than someone with a larger chest capacity. It is for this reason no rate is specified.
This guidance is in line with that for "Rescue Breathing" in Basic Life Support (Resuscitation Guidelines 2000; Resuscitation Council (UK)). In summary, these are that only a small amount of resistance to breathing should be felt during rescue breathing and each rescue breath should take about 2 seconds, achieving a tidal volume of an amount to produce visible lifting of the chest. The rescuer should then wait for the chest to fully fall during expiration before giving another breath. This should normally take about 2-4 seconds; each sequence of 10 breaths will therefore take about 40 to 60 seconds to complete. The exact timing of expiration is not critical; the chest should be allowed to fall before another breath is given.
In water rescue
In the water, monitoring effectiveness as described above is almost impossible and other guidance has to be given by the BSAC. This has to be a compromise because, as noted above, no advice will be ideal for all casualties and situations. In the water there is also the possibility that effectiveness may be further compromised by the need to tow the casualty.
The advice of the BSAC is that, in water, ventilations should be given at a rate of two breaths every 15 seconds. This figure is considered to provide adequate inflation of the casualty's lungs and adequate deflation between the breaths. The inflation phase will take 1.5 to 2 seconds, followed by a deflation (exhalation by the casualty) for about 4 seconds. The total time for the inflation / deflation for each breath of AV will therefore need to take about 5-6 seconds, although again this is an approximation for an 'average' adult.
Once an in-water rescue has progressed to the stage where monitoring effectiveness can be performed as for the on-land situation described above, that method of monitoring the effectiveness should take precedence.

Even more mature snorkellers

I was interested to read the letter in the Winter 2005 Snorkelling News, by the youthful Chris Jauncey (at 46!) and to encourage the even more mature wannabe snorkellers, I have to say that I started snorkelling at the age of 67 last year in the Galapagos Islands, where my husband renewed, at the age of 71, his youthful ability with snorkelling (when there was a ping pong ball in the snorkel).
To top this, my friend who had only 3 months before learnt to swim at the age of 60, also snorkelled, and has continued to do so at swimming baths since returning home. We, also, have had great help and friendly encouragement from groups in spite of age differences.
We have just returned from the Caribbean, where we had a week on a sailing clipper and enjoyed some more snorkelling - now planning next snorkelling holiday next year - perhaps the Maldives? As they say - never too old! And we've learnt all sorts of snorkelling techniques we'd never thought of. All rather challenging and frightening, but the older you get, the more satisfying to overcome the challenge. I am due to have a knee replacement next month, not because of snorkelling I have to add. Swimming, and therefore snorkelling, is an excellent non-weight bearing exercise.
So down with ageism!
Lorna Gartside.
Snorkelling is promoted as a sport for everyone from 8 to 80! I can see an urgent need to review the upper age limit! Ed.

Snorkelling the 'Crannogs'

In the summer of 2004, I visited the Scottish Crannog Centre on the shores of Loch Tay, in Perthshire. The visit was not to go snorkelling in the freezing water of the loch but led by curiosity, to discover what a Crannog was and what the centre had to offer the tourist.
What is a Crannog?
A Crannog is a type of ancient loch dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland dating from 5,000 years ago. Many Crannogs were built out in the water as defensive homesteads and in their day-represented symbols of power and wealth.
They were built on small islands with a solid base or on stilts above the water. The latter type were often connected to the shore by a bridge
Throughout their long history Crannogs served as farmers' homesteads, status symbols, refuges in times of trouble, hunting and fishing stations, and even holiday residences. In Perthshire the prehistoric Crannogs were originally timber-built roundhouses supported on piles or stilts driven into the loch bed.
Today the Crannogs appear as tree-covered islands or remain hidden as submerged stony mounds. Several hundred have been discovered so far in Scotland although only a few have been investigated
What does the centre offer?
The Scottish Crannog centre, situated at the East End of Loch Tay, not far from the town of Kenmore, prides itself in that it has a reconstruction of a stilted Crannog
After my tour of the centre I made enquiries about the underwater surveying that was taking place. The project manager explained that the majority of underwater surveying was done by university trained divers from all the agencies working under the HSE guidelines for divers at work. Having realised that there were few opportunities for BSAC divers to be involved in the research I enquired as to whether they could use the skills of trained snorkel divers.
Snorkel surveys needed
To my pleasant surprise the project manager was delighted to explain that there were two sites that needed snorkel surveys rather than diving surveys. I hope this article will encourage a BSAC snorkel branch interested in putting their snorkelling skills to good use and take a team of younger people up to the Scottish Crannog Centre to offer their skills in snorkel surveying sites that the project manager requires.
Please do not turn up on the doorstep unannounced. If your branch is interested then contact the centre on 01887 830583 or contact them by e-mail on info@crannog.co.uk The centre website is very interesting and informative - www.crannog.co.uk
Alistair Reynolds
BSAC Snorkel Chief Examiner

Cautionary tale!

While snorkelling in the Red Sea off Aqaba on Boxing Day, and having drifted into too-shallow water over the house reef, I accidentally stepped on a black pencil sea urchin. Six spines penetrated right through my shoe fin into my foot. The people at the dive centre said just keep soaking it in hot salty water and you'll be OK within a week. Really?
On return home, black spines were clearly visible inside the puncture holes. These were painfully extracted by needle at A&E, - but was anything left inside? A month later, after two GP and three chiropodist appointments, I decided to do an Internet search.

The divemasters in Jordan were right all along! The correct treatment is:
1) Break off any sections of spine protruding beyond the surface of the skin.
2) Do not try to dig out the spines, as they have barbed ends, which could cause tissue damage.
3) Soak regularly in a hot saline solution to reduce pain and prevent infection.
4) Carry on as normal, the spines consist mainly of calcium, the body will gradually absorb them. Just be patient, as it may take a few weeks.

The Underwater Hockey Sport Development Fund

The Underwater Hockey Sport Development Fund has teamed up with Aqua Sphere makers of active snorkel equipment for their annual raffle. Aqua Sphere have sponsored a prize for the club which sells the most raffle tickets that is worth over £1000. Just by selling tickets - your club could be the big winner - good luck!
Prizes in the raffle include a fantastic Holiday in Lanzarote, a personal Computer and a UK Family Holiday amongst many other wonderful prizes, something for everyone. One lucky winner will win a helicopter ride over the location of the Dambusters filming or Manchester United or City's Stadiums, just visit www.gbuwh.co.uk for details of these and all other prizes. The draw will take place on the Sunday 26th June at the AGM of GB UnderWater Hockey.
Aqua FM Pro snorkels are part of the group prize donated by Aqua Sphere.
The BSAC has donated a prize worth over £100, a full set of BSAC manuals, more detailed information on all these manuals can be found at www.bsacshop.com just click on 'Manuals'.
Aqua FM Pro snorkels are part of the group prize donated by Aqua Sphere.

Using BSAC snorkel skills

The UWH Sport development fund has been established to enable clubs to set up junior teams and offer free trials, throughout the UK. These clubs draw in youngsters that have learnt to snorkel with the BSAC and are looking for a fun activity. Inevitably, some youngsters will want to extend their snorkelling activities with the BSAC and perhaps try diving. It is one of the few sports which breaks down barriers between age, sex and ability, whilst allowing the kids to stay fit and enjoy sport, in keeping with the governments sports policy.

A BIG thank you

Through this news letter Ruth Healey, Diving Officer for Tameside Snorkel & Octopush Club would like to say a big thank you to Tameside Sub-Aqua Club, Dukinfield and Chaumont Sub-Aqua Club, Stalybridge.
During the recent storms the roof of the pool we use on club nights at Ashton-under-Lyne was severely damaged causing the ceiling inside to collapse. Hence the pool was closed and will remain so for sometime until repairs are complete.
We were immediately offered shared facilities by both Tameside SAC and Chaumont SAC, we have been given pool time at another pool by Tameside Sports Trust, but the offer by both Branches was very much appreciated and shows the true spirit of the BSAC.

Snorkelling News & Views - Autumn 2004

Something for everyone

Hopefully this Autumn 2004 issue contains something for everyone!
There are articles on snorkelling in the UK, snorkelling in Cuba, feedback from a recent SITC and a reduction in subs for qualified Snorkel Instructors (unfortunately with a catch!)
I have not as yet received any suggestions for a 'junior corner', however I will keep this option open for as long as you like. Have you visited the BSAC snorkelling website recently? After dusting away the cobwebs I visited all the areas of the web site and I believe it lacks a little TLC! However I would appreciate your views (a nice task for the long winter days ahead). So let's hope we can have something in place for next season. Comments please!
George Parkins, snork.news@bsac.com

Headquarters Update

Club Mark
Club Mark is an accreditation by Sport England, which Branches can achieve by
following and fulfilling a programme detailed in a Resource Pack that can be obtained by those aspiring to achieve accreditation.
BSAC will be initiating a source of information to be circulated to branches.
For further details contact Mike Clack at HQ on mikec@bsac.com

Attention Snorkel Instructors Well, really only those that pay either the full diving member or equivalent full snorkelling membership subscription of £43.00. It was proposed at a recent Council meeting that there would be a reduction in subscriptions of £6.00 for SIs satisfying the above criteria. No indications of the implementation date as
yet and no intention to apply any reduction for those SIs who only pay the youth / snorkel subscription of £13.00. COMMENTS?

Thanks to Julie
Julie Williams is leaving Alistair's team in a move to the Memberships department. Many thanks go to Julie for all her help and assistance over the past couple of years.

Snorkelling Tee Shirts
A new range of snorkelling tee shirts for juniors are available from the Mailshop. Log on to the web site, or contact the Mailshop for more details. The web site address is: www.bsac.org/shop/leisureware.htm

Snorkel Instructor Training Course feedback - Droylsden July 04
The course did not get off to a very auspicious start as the venue was double booked and there was only one instructor instead of two, but in typical club fashion the instructor called on family, friends and members of her own snorkelling club to rally round and help out. Alternative venues were found - the changing room of the pools sauna for the lectures, thankfully closed at the time, and a swimming baths about 5 miles away for the pool sessions. Instructors from the local snorkelling club provided lifeguard cover. This just goes to prove that the best laid plans can go awry but with the help from others no problem is insurmountable. The course itself was well prepared and presented, including the demonstration of how irritating it can be for someone to chew gum while lecturing. Only having the one instructor hampered the pool sessions, but safety was never compromised. People had travelled from around the country to attend the course and were quite a diverse bunch, some experienced snorkellers and others from diving Branches wishing to introduce snorkelling at their Branch.
Although people hadn't met before, things very quickly developed into team efforts and when it came to the dreaded lecture presentations, bits of kit, background knowledge and relevant experiences were readily shared around.
As an added bonus just attending the course and talking to participants gave an insight into how other snorkelling Branches are run and the different approaches to teaching needed in different areas. I would definitely recommend the course to others.
Dave Leyland

Branch interests Your News and Views - Featurettes

Snorkelling at Ravenspoint
The day started early with Branch members all over town getting up at about 6am, having breakfast and loading cars. Last minute checks were done to ensure that all equipment had been packed, but of course no one can be completely sure they have everything until they are at the dive site and kitted up! In all 10 members of Warrington Snorkellers Club were heading to Ravenspoint on Holy Island (Anglesey).
This was to be our first outing with all new club gear. Having previously won a grant from 'Awards for All' for new equipment, we were able to fully kit every one with wet suits, gloves, boots, knives, surface life jackets (including instructors) jet fins, compasses, depth gauges and weightbelts. On site and on time we kitted up and made our way to the water's edge via steps carved in to the rocks where we were able to carry out buddy checks on each other. Splitting into three groups, we all entered the water, heading clockwise around the island at
Ravenspoint.
Immediately on entering the gully that separates the island from the shore, we were greeted by fields of bladder rack seaweed and a very large jellyfish that all were able to inspect at close quarters. The nice thing about this site is that even though the sea outside of our little gully was slightly choppy, we were able to enter perfectly calm waters due to the shelter offered by the island. Those amongst us who had never snorkelled in the sea before and those of us who were a little nervous (including my self who had ultimate responsibility for this gang of kids, both large and small!), had a chance to acclimatise, perform some surface dives and check we were all carrying the correct amount of lead. Heading out of the gully the sea became rougher and obviously deeper than the 3m or so we had found on entering the water. Exploring the gullies that cut across this little island we were able to find wrasse, crabs and host of other marine life large and small. When we eventually arrived back at our point of entry we were presented with an excellent example of the effects of tides...the rocks we had effortlessly glided over on our entrance were now showing above the water! What a great opportunity to discuss the effects of tides!
The fun didn't end on our return to the steps! Relieving ourselves of fins, weightbelts, masks and snorkels, a good hour was had by all jumping off the rocks (even the kids joined in!)
We were blessed with sunshine and good weather for our day out at Ravenspoint, allowing for a club BBQ and a rare opportunity for a good natter with people whom all too often we just pass at the pool side, busily involved in the many classes and activities that are part of Saturday life at the pool. As for Ravenspoint, I'm sure we will return. There is still exploring to be done here, next time we may try going in off the neighbouring beach, who knows!
Ravenspoint is situated on the south side of Trearddur Bay, Holy Island. To the west of the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales. Ordnance Survey map sheet 114 Grid reference SH 254 787
For more information contact Steve or Sharon at wsnorkellers_club@hotmail.com

Snorkelling in Cuba
For us this was part of a two-centre holiday - 9 nights in Guardalavaca and then 3 nights in Havana in May 2004. Obviously there was to be no snorkelling in Havana so my report has to be based on my fairly limited experience of the holiday resort of Guardalavaca - where we stayed at the Brisas Holiday Complex in an apartment in one of the villas. At first when I looked out at the sea, I was delighted to see dark patches, which I thought, were rocky areas where lots of fish would be found.
I was disappointed to find that these were simply grassy areas and the water was about thigh deep for as far as I could be bothered to wade.
However, a short walk along the beach led me to the Dive Centre where an amiable Cuban who was well travelled and spoke excellent English, explained that the house reef was the best place to snorkel and pointed out the direction just beyond a stone jetty.
The best snorkelling was to be found where the water turns green - this was a distance of at least 100m in water which was, at high tide, about 1m deep and at low tide half a metre! I took a walk to the end of the pier and stared out to sea. Just then the Hobbie Cat appeared and crossed exactly the path I was planning to use to get to the reef. Hmm. Thinks me... 'That's a bit dangerous - I hope they are on the lookout for snorkellers.' Next day I went out keeping close to the pier and saw a fair bit of life at the end of the pier including a nasty looking scorpion fish so well disguised that it appears in none of the photos I took. However, there were plenty of other fish including this flatfish with pretty blue spots that were quite happy to almost pose for me. No Hobbie Cats in sight (I was wearing my bright orange lifevest) so I started then to head towards the reef over the seagrass (lots of sea urchins) and suddenly heard that buzzing engine so hated by us quiet seagoing folk! Yes! A jet ski had appeared! I found this VERY alarming since jet skiers are not renowned for their safety and/or seamanship skills! So I pulled myself up into a vertical position and found I was kneeling on the grass but well out of the water so as to be easily spotted. It disappeared around the end of the pier and I about turned and headed back since I expected it would reappear again with another driver. We found that Hobbie Cat and jet skis stopped after 1630 and there were no other motorised boats around (one of the advantages of Cuba), so at the earliest opportunity I finned out to the reef and was delighted with the amount of coral and the different varieties of fish which were around that area although the water was only about 2-3 metres deep. There was not, however, a single crab or lobster to be seen. This provided great snorkelling for me - but remember I'm used to the West of Scotland!
I'm sure that these reefs were not in pristine condition although during the time I was there I never saw anyone else out there snorkelling. I tried, after describing the wonder of it all, to take two women out there - I am after all, an OW snorkelling instructor, but they got as far as the pier and could go no further. They had the usual problems with unfamiliar mask, difficulty breathing through the snorkel and poorly fitted fins. Many people underestimate the value of lessons in the safety of a pool until equipment becomes familiar and many people must also be put off for life by an experience similar to this when they think they can just use the mask, fins and snorkel which are available at many holiday resorts. I advised these ladies to practise in the pool and take a note of the equipment they had borrowed each day so that they were given the same mask etc. but as far as I know, they never did go out again.
I also went on a snorkelling expedition on the glass bottom boat where I found myself with one other man (a non-English speaking German), the dive guide and the skipper. He too was going snorkelling but it became very obvious that he had never worn a mask before and I found myself removing his long hair from beneath the silicone seal. However, once in the water I decided that I was a paying customer - not an on-board instructor/guide and I left him and the guide to it and went off with my camera and a few bits of fish from a bucket. It is not possible, however, to feed fish and take pics at the same time. I am still of the opinion that one should not feed the fish when snorkelling or diving since this results in a change in fish behaviour - they learn quickly that long neoprene-clad creatures with shiny faces are a source of food and if none is available then will nibble exposed parts of the diver. The guide could entice the moray eel out of this crevice with this tasty morsel. But soon became so surrounded by smaller fish that the moray retreated once more into his hidey-hole. By this time, of course, the hapless German had returned to the boat deciding that this activity was not for him, so he had to content himself with viewing us through the glass bottom. I too returned after 80 photographs and my batteries gave out!
I was surprised then when we headed for another site (he should've told me to save a few pics and batteries) but when I prepared to go in when he did, he advised against it since the big grouper EXPECTED food and he showed me the scars on his hands to prove it! He also said that there were several barracuda that would be attracted to the shiny lens on my camera. Hmm, I thought, that would make a change - most of the underwater critters I see find me and my "big eye" so frightening that they head off as soon as I appear. Hence all the photos I have of fishy rear ends! The grouper was certainly big at about a metre long and very aggressive so I'm sure the guide was grateful for the chain mail gloves he had put on.
Carol Reid

The BSAC - now a Duke of Edinburgh Award Access Organisation
The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DoE) scheme has approved the BSAC to issue certificates to young people (14-25) that want to use scuba diving or snorkel training as the 'physical recreation' element towards attaining Duke of Edinburgh bronze, silver and gold Awards. The BSAC is now among other top sporting bodies accredited as an 'Access Organisation'. The BSAC DoE scheme will launch in January 2005. This is great news for enthusiastic young people wanting to embark on this prestigious Award - potentially attracting new members to the BSAC. There is also a facility enabling existing young members in this age group already in training, to enroll on the scheme and use their BSAC training as 'evidence of prior learning', encouraging them to go for the Award.
The BSAC will be producing detailed information packs for Branches, providing a simple procedure to follow to administer the process and will include posters and material to publicise the facility to schools, colleges and youth groups in their area attracting young people. A Candidate Pack will be available with full information how young people pursuing an Award can join the BSAC and use the scuba and snorkel diver qualifications towards this. The BSAC training system is an ideal platform for DoE candidates. Branch training is non-intensive, non-commercial and requires long-term commitment - all requirements for DoE candidates to thrive. As well as increasing membership, it's good
for branches too since young people that work towards the DoE Award are particularly dedicated to meet challenges and are sure to become very active and committed members of any branch.
Branches interested in finding out more about the BSAC DoE Award scheme, should contact Alistair Reynolds on 0151 350 6261 or e-mail: alistairr@bsac.com

Receive Snorkelling News & Views direct by E-mail!
All recipients targeted with this publication will receive it directly via post. But if you would prefer to get it by e-mail and receive it immediately on publication, subscribe to the e-list - there is a simple 'subscribe' form at the foot of the index page on the BSAC website www.bsac.org Distribution will be in the form of a pdf file (kept as small a file size as possible). The SNAV will always be available to download from the website.

New promotional poster for snorkelling branches
Available to all Branches from the Membership Department

Try Snorkelling?
WHAT happened to SNORK week! It was cancelled in 2003 because of the BSAC 50th anniversary organisation, but because it was such a success on the only occasion it was held (in 2002) we were led to believe it would be reintroduced in 2004. Has it been forgotten, by the snorkelling clubs as well as headquarters, or is it to be held on an 'ad-hoc' basis?
Is there anything else in the pipeline? Do we need to have an event scheduled for a specific week in the year, or do branches offer a 'taster' to individuals and families on an 'as required' basis. Your comments please, don't just let this issue drift off into a sea fret never to be seen again.
Editor

Snorkelling Representative on the National Diving Committee
The New National Diving Officer, Clare Peddie, has reconstructed the National Diving Committee into five sections, namely:
* Diving Group
* Diver Training Group
* Instructor Training Group
* Technical Group
* Services Group
Margaret Baldwin has been appointed the snorkelling representative on the Diving Group. Her role will be to represent snorkellers and snorkelling on the NDC, ensuring that improvements in this area are brought to the attention of the Group and the Steering Group.
Margaret works full-time at Stoney Cove, Leicestershire as the centre's Safety Officer. She is very active in the Scouting Association and is an enthusiastic snorkelling and scuba instructor.

Forthcoming Courses
March 19/20 SITC Midlands
April 09/10 SITC Manchester
May 08 OWSITC Wraysbury

For the complete listing of all Snorkel Instructor Training Courses for the whole of 2005, see the new 'Programme of Events' booklet - will be publicised at the end of November on the BSAC websites: www.bsacsnorkelling.co.uk/training/events/htm
www.bsac.org/events/poe2005index.htm

Snorkelling News & Views Spring 2004

Spring . . .

. . . the time of year to look forward to warm weather, sunshine and open water snorkelling!
Time to check that the wet suits have wintered well, zips work smoothly and none of the dreaded phenomena of neoprene shrinkage has occurred (younger snorkellers grow up, whilst some of the older ones merely grow!).
At this time snorkellers are planning holidays, whilst some holidaymakers are planning to do a bit of snorkelling!
Which, raises a point of interest, over the years our branch has held 'Holiday Makers Introduction to Snorkelling ' courses. Content based on the 'basic and snorkel diver courses' with 'add- ons'.
As well as the participants thoroughly enjoying the course and their holiday, we have gained some new members.
Have other branches similar courses and experiences?
Why not share the information with other branches by sending details of your courses to 'Snorkelling News' and then perhaps a more formalised course can be developed, in a similar fashion to the 'Try dive' packages.
I've 'floated' the idea with Alistair Reynolds at HQ and he is very supportive. HQ would consider generating a certificate to be awarded to individuals on completion of the training as proof of participation and in recognition of the skills achieved, whilst hopefully encouraging them to participate further!
Your thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated. If the interest and demand is there then we will move the issue forward.
George Parkins, Snork.news@bsac.com

Branch interests

Free Banking for Clubs and Societies
Alliance and Leicester are currently advertising, 'Free, easy and convenient banking for any organisation whose officials give their time for free'.
For more information on this offer please contact Alliance and Leicester, telephone free 08005 870 800 Quote reference CSO 144
The web site address is: www.mybusinessbank.co.uk/am or visit your local branch.

Snorkelling in Dunbar Harbour approaches
The Dunbar Harbour Trust welcomes all divers to enjoy the facilities of the harbour for local diving.
However, the narrow approaches to the harbour can be hazardous for all vessels to navigate and the Harbour Master would remind all visiting divers and snorkellers to be mindful not to compound the hazard with diving activity in this vicinity and comply with the warning signs.
The Trust has plans for development of facilities with the installation of a compressor, water services and improvements to the slipway. For more information, contact Ian McKane at the Dunbar Harbour Trust on 01368 862617.

Headquarters Update

New Lifesaver Certificates For some time the membership have been asking for wall certificates to cover the Snorkel Lifesaver and Advanced Snorkel Lifesaver Awards. The certificates were discontinued several years ago when stocks ran out and the requests were low. We can now announce that we have these certificates available from the Technical Department at a nominal cost of £1 each.

Bourne Leisure goes BSAC
The BSAC are very fortunate to welcome onboard Bourne Leisure, who recently requested that their holiday park staff be trained as BSAC Corporate Snorkel Instructors. Bourne Leisure has over 40 holiday parks in the UK and several in Europe. They are the company that looks after the staffing for Haven, British Holidays, Warners and Butlins holiday camps. With the BSAC presence in so many centres during 2004 it is anticipated that the interest in BSAC snorkel training will greatly increase. So now is the time to prepare for that rush, get more of your members to become BSAC Snorkel Instructors so that your branch will be able to offer the basic skills of snorkelling that many of the public will be looking for when furthering their interest in the sport.

Check out the web
The BSAC website, dedicated to Snorkelling, www.bsacsnorkelling.com has been recently updated with several additions. The mailshop products have been added to show all the snorkel training material, certificate, badges, accessories & snorkelling guidebooks.
Check out the wide range of accessories and order your stock of certificates and badges for the forth-coming courses.
The Basic Snorkel Diver and Snorkel Diver training course information now have the actual syllabi attached to the information for viewing and downloading. This provides full details of the courses' outlines, aims, instructor requirements and the pre-requisites for anyone wishing to take up the training.

Your website ideas needed.
We need you… to provide further ideas for the snorkelling website. If there is something that you think would be worth putting onto the site just let us know.
Provide us with a brief outline of your idea and explain why this would be a useful page or two to have available. We will give each idea careful consideration and those that we use will receive a token of our appreciation.

Sally Mutton – Southern SDO steps down
HQ received the sad news that Sally Mutton has decided to step down from her role as BSAC Southern Region Snorkel Development Officer.
Sally has been instrumental in bringing snorkelling to the attention of so many members of the organisation and the general public. Over the years, she and her ever supportive husband, Garry, have been active developing the sport.
Sally took on the role of SDO two years ago and immediately set up an extensive network of snorkel advisors in the Southern regions.
She has been instrumental in bringing BSAC snorkelling to the attention of many youth groups such as the Scouting Association and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Both Sally & Garry have been very active over the past two years in providing professional tuition to holiday camp staff on Corporate Snorkel Instructor training Courses. They will be sorely missed and I am sure you will join me in wishing them both every happiness in the future.
Alistair Reynolds, BSAC Snorkel Chief Examiner

New Advisor appointed
Bob Healey attended the recent Divewise Conference in Durham on the 14th March and made a plea at the end of his snorkelling presentation for a snorkelling advisor for the North Eastern region.
Without any hesitation Dave Wilson from Sub-Aquamarine branch came forward and accepted the role. Dave is an Advanced Diving instructor and Advanced Diver but has been interested in snorkelling for many years. Our thanks to Dave for volunteering for the post and taking on a region that up until now has been without an advisor.
Dave can be contacted on 0191 389 2024.

Coaching /ITS /Snorkel Polo Shirts
Now available from the BSAC are Polo shirts for 'Coaching', 'ITS', 'Snorkel Advisor' and 'Snorkel Instructor Trainer' qualifications.
Orders are now being taken for the polo shirts in a variety of colours and sizes 'small', 'medium', 'large', 'X large' and 'XX large' at a cost of £12.00 including p&p.
For more information and order form please contact Jenny Smith-Hughes at BSAC HQ, tel: 0151 350 6259, jennys@bsac.com

Snorkel Instructor Trainer Course cancelled
Regrettably the recent Snorkel Instructor Trainer Development Course (SITDC) was cancelled a week before it was programmed due to only two candidates being available. The course is aimed at Open Water Snorkel Instructors who would like to be tutored on how to become instructor trainers. Instructor trainers teach qualified Snorkel Divers how to become Snorkel Instructors.
This two-day event covers the full content of the Snorkel Instructor Training Course (SITC) and provides tuition on how to present the theory and practical sessions, how to run tutorial sessions for lesson planning and how to assess students on their pool and classroom skills. The whole course is very inter-active with demonstrations of how the sessions should run followed by the potential trainers showing that they have picked up the necessary skills by 'having a go'.
It has been suggested that the time of the course was too early in the year and that has resulted in a reduced demand. If any Snorkel OWIs are interested in becoming Snorkel Instructor Trainers then please get in touch with the Snorkel Chief Examiner, Alistair Reynolds, at BSAC HQ and get your name on a list for the next course. If there are sufficient numbers, an extra course could be set up before the next scheduled one in October.

Featurette

Just close your eyes for a second and picture the scene. It's late Sunday afternoon and a mixed group from Warrington Snorkellers and Valkyrie DG are on a day boat heading back to Balvicar from the Garvellachs after a superb weekend
Two days of clear blue skies and a sea state mid way between flat calm and slight!
On the back of the boat there are mixed emotions, some methodically going about stripping down and packing equipment away ready for the journey home, whilst others wanting to 'savour the moment' for as long as possible.
Suddenly there is great excitement and much pointing, and whilst skipper Dave Ainsley urges people to 'trim the boat' the cause of this excitement can be clearly seen. A school of about thirty Bottle Nosed Dolphins, both adults and young 'breaching' between the boat and the shoreline
Absolutely fantastic and the perfect way to finish the trip.
What a pity the 29th of February only comes around once every four years.

Forthcoming Courses

For the complete listing of all Snorkel Instructor Training Courses for the whole of 2004, see the new ‘Programme of Events’ booklet - available now on the BSAC websites:
http://www.bsacsorkelling.co.uk/training/events/htm    http://www.bsac.org/events/poe2004index.htm

Snorkelling News & Views Winter 2004

The Quarterly Newsletter for all BSAC Snorkellers

It Must Be Winter!

The friendly banter when getting in and out of wet suits has been replaced with a real sense of urgency, the cold drink has given way to a flask of Mulligatawny soup and the dog point blankly refuses to get out of the car! Yes, it can only mean that winter is here.
A belated 'Happy New Year' to all but for now it's time to plan for the coming year, whether it's holidays, expeditions, weekend or day trips, courses to attend or just training, dates need to be 'pencilled into the diary'.
Have you made any resolutions? Mine is not to make any! However, may I suggest one for you, and that is to jot down some of your snorkelling experiences (a few photographs would be most welcome) and send them to me for sharing with others in future issues.
So for 2004, safe and happy snorkelling.
George Parkins Snork.news@bsac.com

Headquarters Update

Snorkel Instructor Trainers

Just before the turn of the year 'commitment sheets' were sent to all Snorkel Instructor Trainers (SITs), many have been completed and returned but a few are still outstanding, even if you cannot commit at this moment in time, will all SITs please return sheets to HQ.

Snorkel Instructor Trainer Development Courses 2004

In 2003 our Snorkel Development Officers, Sally Mutton and Bob Healey both identified that we needed more instructor trainers to help promote the training of snorkel instructors. As a result there are two Snorkel Instructor Trainer Development Courses, or SITDCs, planned for 2004. The first is to be run on 13th/14th March in Liverpool followed by a second at Stroud on 2nd/3rd October. It is the first year that these events have been advertised in the Programme of Events (POE) and it is anticipated that these courses will remain a permanent feature for future years.
The SITDC is open to any Open Water Snorkel Instructor and above who wishes to become a Snorkel Instructor Trainer. This two-day event covers all aspects of the Snorkel Instructor Training Course (SITC) and guides the potential trainers through the syllabus and lessons' content.
The SITDC includes practical in-water tuition sessions that are aimed at providing the trainers with the skills needed to train instructors rather than training snorkellers.
They need guidance on how to assess a potential instructor's ability in the pool and classroom as well as how to write constructive feedback reports for the candidates. All these aspects are included in the event with demonstrations and tuition from the course staff.
At the end of the weekend the candidates can put themselves forward for observations at locally run SITCs prior to becoming approved instructor trainers in their own right. At that point they can run HQ approved SITCs in their area and branches.
It is anticipated that by providing this extra boost to the number of instructor trainers in 2004 we will continue to move Snorkelling forward within the BSAC. If there are any Open Water Snorkel Instructors interested in becoming an Instructor Trainer, please contact the Snorkelling Administrator, Julie Williams, on 0151 350 6255 or at juliew@bsac.com with a request to be put on the list.

World's Fittest Women

Marine Divers (BSAC School 388) Hong Kong, in the BSAC 50th Anniversary week, had the privilege and not least fun, of training the contestants in the 2003 World's Fittest Woman competition. This competition was being produced and filmed by ImageWizard TV (UK) on location in Hong Kong for Worldwide distribution on sports channels.
THE COMPETITORS in alphabetical order:
Barbara Brighetti (Italy) Sky-diving: World Sky-diving Champion, World Record Holder extreme sky diving, longest freefall with no oxygen.
Brenda Baldwin (USA) Water Ski Jumping: World Water Ski Jump Champion.
World Record jump 1997 - 2000
Geraldine Fasnacht (Switzerland) Snowboarding: World Snowboarding Champion 2002/3
Ingrid Kollbichler (Austria) Kitesurfing: European Kitesurfing Champion 2002, 2nd in World 2002.
Jenna Worlock (South Africa) World Paddle Champion and South African Iron Lady.
Johanna Mattsson (Sweden) Motocross: Swedish Woman's Motocross Champion 2000, currently leading in 2003
Lucinda Hughes (United Kingdom) Rock Climbing: British Indoor Rock Climbing Champion 2002 (difficulty), British bouldering Champion 2002/3.
Nikki Kelly (New Zealand) White Water Kayaking and Rafting: World White Water Kayaking and Rafting Champion
Susie Maroney (Australia) Marathon Swimmer: Fastest English Channel crossing (France to England), plus many other records.

As part of the Biggest Diving Club in the World, Marine Divers kept up the BSAC ethos of TRAINING, DIVING and SOCIALISING.

TRAINING
The day after they arrived in Hong Kong, Monday 20 Oct, as training for one of the challenges, Chief Instructor Ginger Ayres (BSAC AI and ASI) put them through the BSAC Basic Snorkel Diver course at the United Services Recreation Club (USRC), Kowloon, Hong Kong. Clad in their WFW swimsuits, they were a sight to behold, as apparently was I, providing perfect demos (?)!!. All the ladies passed the course with flying colours. This has got to have been the most glamorous and fun course I have ever run!!! Thanks to support on photography - Jules Holiday (BSAC OWI).
Administrative support, surface stills and video - Lily Ching (BSAC OD).
Following the BSD course, the ladies were put through their paces, practicing (for some) newly acquired skills, on a mock up of the contest course, which gave us all an idea of the fitness of these sportswomen!!

DIVING
The competitors had already completed 2 other challenges on Tuesday, so were beginning to feel a little tired. On the Wednesday, it was Marine Divers's turn to provide support to a challenge - DIVE IT. Setting out earlier than the
contestants and crew, we proceeded to set up the course at Whiskey Beach, a well known dive spot in Port Shelter, East Coast of HK, offering a flat sandy bottom at 3-6m, without too many deadly critters, and a fine sandy beach as
a background. We ordered good viz, but it didn't arrive, the tide luckily was on time, and the sun shone (2 out of 3 ain't bad!).
The Junk full of competitors, crew and press arrived later and we stood by, providing surface and underwater safety cover while the contestants practised then competed. Jenna convincingly won this challenge. Only one slight injury with Johanna catching a fin in the mouth, being provided with buoyant BUDDY support on the surface. (I won't name the BC supplier, as that would be advertising!!). Stripping out and cruising back always goes quicker when there is the promise of a cold Après-Dive beer or two!

SOCIAL
Unfortunately, one of the major sponsors of the competition hadn't been too good at arranging an itinerary for the ladies, so Marine Divers stepped in to provide support in this field, something we are pretty good at!! Its amazing how many divers are in the food & beverage business in HK, and also good luck that we know or have many of them as past or present members of the branch.
Monday lunchtime, after a grueling training day with us, the USRC provided a fine lunch on their poolside patio. Tuesday night, after a hard first day of competition, the ladies were treated to an excellent BBQ at Middle Island by The
Aberdeen Boat Club (ABC). Wednesday, following the Dive challenge, Lily exercised her negotiation skills with a Seafood Restaurant in Sai Kung. It was a noticeable fact that diving certainly makes one hungry - dish after dish
appeared on the contestant's table! Thursday night 23 Oct, after another hard day for the ladies, the Stauntons Group (SG) treated us to a superb Nepalese meal at Kat-Man-Du, followed by drinks at Stauntons Wine Bar, where those who didn't rush back to the hotel to get an early night, toasted the BSAC on its 50th
Anniversary.
The competitors were awarded their BSAC BSD certificates, at the competition
awards ceremony organised by ImageWizard, at the end of a tiring week for all, contestants, TV crew and not least Marine Divers showing them some "other" parts of Hong Kong.

THE RESULTS - THE WORLD'S FITTEST WOMAN 2003

1st - Jenna Worlock (SA) (BSAC)
2nd - Nikki Kelly (NZ) (BSAC)
3rd - Brenda Baldwin (USA) (BSAC)
Special thanks to Aidann(GM), Noel(AM) and staff at The USRC, Kowloon.
Philippe(GM) and staff at the ABC, Hong Kong Island; Gary (OM) (BSAC OWI).
Rodney (GM), Kim (GM) and staff of the SG, Soho, HK; for helping to make it a memorable week in Hong Kong for the ladies. Marine Divers took the opportunity to ensure that the BSAC was advertised during filming, for worldwide distribution.
In case you are wondering, yes, Marine Divers signed the ladies up as Snorkel Members of BSAC Special Branch 2292 - Marine Divers Sub-Aqua Club,
So MARINE DIVERS (AND BSAC) HAS THE WORLD'S FITTEST WOMEN MEMBERS.
Please visit our website for photos, full details on the contestants' etc: www.marinedivers.com

Headquarters Update - Autumn 2003

Programme of Events for 2004

In keeping with last year's publication date we are preparing the 2004 Programme of Events for distribution at the November Dive Show in Birmingham on 15th November. This year's version contains even more snorkel instructor training courses throughout the UK and dates of two Snorkel Instructor Trainer Development Courses (SITDC) for the North and South regions.
The Instructor Trainers will be sent a list of these events with a request to commit to as many as event as they can. This is a step taken to ensure that each event has an allocated team of instructors and should help towards reducing the number of events that had to be cancelled in 2003.
These events are planned to cope with the demand that has been requested by each region. Please help support this effort by attending courses that you are eligible to attend and be part of the expansion of snorkelling within the BSAC.

Updated Qualification Record Book

In July a reprint of the QRB came into HQ, which contains many of the amendments that members and instructors have suggested over the past two years. Several of the training record pages did not contain a slot for the theory assessment results and some sections did not include items of equipment that were taught, such as compass work and SMBs for Ocean Snorkel Diver.
The requirements for Snorkel Dive Marshal have been changed to read 'Advanced Snorkel Lifesaver Award' as a replacement for 'Snorkel Lifesaver Award'. We are sure this will be an improvement for this Qualification Record Book and thank all those that kindly sent through their suggestions.

New Northern Snorkel Development Officer

Bob Healey from Tameside Snorkel and Octopush Branch has been appointed the new Northern Snorkel Development Officer (SDO) to replace Paul Ewan who tragically died after a long illness in July.
Bob trained originally as a snorkeller when his son Dominic wanted to learn how to snorkel properly. He has recently qualified as a BS-AC Ocean Diver and is progressing towards his Sports Diver grade.
Previously Bob was the North West Snorkel Advisor and has been instrumental in promoting snorkelling in the Northwest and
the Isle of Man over the past two years. He headed up the team that represented the BS-AC at the recent ASA 'Safe for Summer' campaign for Tameside schools in July at Stalybridge.
Bob hopes to continue the work started by Paul and introduce some of his many inspirational ideas into further promoting
snorkelling within the Northern Regions. He will be working very closely with the Coaching team in the regions and areas of
the North.
For further information about Bob and his plans, visit the 'profiles' section.

New Northwest Advisor appointed

With Bob Healey moving on to become the Northern SDO, a replacement was required for his vacant position. Ruth Healey has been an Area advisor within the Northwest region for some time, working with Bob, her husband, and now takes over the role of North West Regional Advisor.
Ruth is a qualified BS-AC Dive Leader and avid Open Water Snorkel Instructor. She is also a Snorkel Instructor Trainer and has taught on most of the Snorkel Instructor Training Courses (SITC) held in the Northwest over recent years. She has been instrumental in organising many snorkelling trips for her branch members to Anglesey and the Isle of Man as well as dive sites further afield.
Details of how to contact Ruth can be found on the 'contacts' section.

Yorkshire Snorkel Advisor

Paul Tebbutt the Yorkshire Snorkel Advisor can now be contacted on yorksadvisor@bsac.com in preference to others previously used, please amend any contact lists to suit.

Snorkelling in Gran Canaria

I snorkelled in two sites - the first with Top Diving at the harbour in Puerto Rico. Not knowing the seas, currents etc I agreed to pay 30 Euros for guided snorkelling but having paid that I then knew the site was easily entered by steps just over the harbour wall. There are also toilets at the end of the harbour wall so changing into my wetsuit was easily accomplished at this busy place. However, a lack of lockers etc meant that my dry clothes, bags etc had to be left with the Top Diving staff. If I was not diving with this company I would have to find another method of keeping my belongings safe whilst I was in the water.
Hint: take along a non-diver e.g. Granny, father, mother, husband, wife. . . whichever applies.
This photograph shows the steps for entry and exit. Obviously, care must be taken with weather and sea conditions, which were suitable at the time I was there, but these can change rapidly.
There were plenty of volcanic rocks and many small fish in a depth of around 7m maximum as I went to the right along the shoreline.
I saw lots of small brightly coloured fish, vivid blue starfish and possibly an octopus.
The Dive Guide I had was excellent and I would recommend him if you have children who are not very confident about Open Water snorkelling.
Weather in December can be unreliable for water based activities although the air temperature was warm enough for sunbathing (does ANYONE still do that??) - I had to carefully pick days for snorkelling.
I went to Playa Del Cura to see what the Dive company Blue Explorer had to offer me. I was able to go out with the Instructor who had another couple of snorkellers to look after. I explained that as an Instructor I did not need "looking after" so he more or less left me to my own devices (and camera) whilst being able to keep an eye on me.
Once again on leaving the beach the best site was to the right where the rocks were. This photograph was taken a few days later when the wind whipped up the waves so that snorkelling was impossible.
Again there were lots of little wrasse like fish but I spotted a black and white nudibranch the size of my hand which was climbing over a rock.
I snorkelled across the sandy bay to the other side in the afternoon when the sea had become choppy at the first site and spotted a sting ray in the sand but the choppiness of the water prevented me from taking any photographs of the fast moving fish. A snorkeller with a camera has surface wave conditions to worry about which a Scuba diver can avoid.
There was, however, some colourful weed and lots of fish.
Neither of the sites had any colourful corals (it may be that the volcanic nature of the island prevents this kind of growth) but I think it would be exciting for UK snorkellers who are more used to the tiled bottom of a pool than Open Water.
Extract from an article by Carol Reid.
From the Autumn 2003 edition - Snorkelling News

An introduction to marine biology!

Who better to give the theory and practical coursework on elementary marine biology than a Marine Biologist!
When is the best time? Why when you've just collected a variety of specimens and you can return them to their natural habitat afterwards.
Well that is exactly what a group of Snorkellers from Warrington Snorkellers Club did on a recent weekend outing to Seil Island on a mixed diving and snorkelling trip to the 'Garvellachs' with skipper Dave Ainsley on board the M.V.'Porpoise'.
For all the snorkellers it was their first 'hard boat' trip and what better venue than off the cliffs of the 'Garvellachs'.
In excellent visibility (between five and eight metres) all were able to see an abundance of sea life including bottom dwellers such as: common, sun, arctic and brittle star fish, sea urchins, plumose anemones, crabs, squat lobsters and a wide variety of kelp.
Whilst carrying out a six metre snorkel dive one member came upon a dog fish, which was apparently less concerned about him that he was of it! On the way back to the boat at the end of first day's diving there was a 'close encounter of the lions mane jelly fish' kind, which was given a respectably wide berth by everyone!
On the way back to 'Belvicar' harbour at the end of the first day we were fortunate enough to have a small school of porpoise swimming close to the boat.
During the course of the weekend, the snorkellers completed twelve dives spending more than ten hours in the water. Despite the long drive from Warrington (approx. 330 miles) and late time of return, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and are looking forward to a return trip next year.
For more information contact either Sharon or Steve at: Wsnorkellers_club@hotmail.com
Or for more pictures why not visit our website at: www.warringtonsnorkellers.org.uk
From the Autumn 2003 edition - Snorkelling News

My fifteen minutes of fame!

I received a phone call from a lady from Radio Scotland asking who she could contact to discuss snorkelling in Scotland.
Look no further, sez I!
It transpired that Fiona Clark, the lady's name, was a producer with the Radio Scotland programme called "Out of Doors" dealing with outdoor pursuits in Scotland and broadcast on Saturday mornings at 7am.
Fiona wanted to go snorkelling to find out what it was like and why anyone would want to snorkel instead of scuba diving.
I was somewhat hesitant about taking her straight into one of our nearby lochs and questioned her about previous experience. If she had never worn a diving mask before, I would have suggested a pool session so that she could get used to it. However, it transpired that she had done basic diver training as a student but had had to give it up due to lack of funds.
We discussed the equipment she would need and, since she had a wet suit (bought for another marine programme), I agreed to lend her the mask, snorkel, fins, life vest, weightbelt, hood and gloves which she would need and she would beg, borrow or steal a pair of bootees.
We arranged to meet the following morning at 10.30 at my house in Helensburgh. Having checked the tides and knowing that low tide was c.12.30, I decided to take her to a site called The Caves on Loch Long where I had snorkelled recently and found glorious plumose anemones at my snorkelling depth!
Fiona turned out to be a most attractive young woman and we chatted about scuba and snorkelling in Scotland for a wee while before I showed her the equipment she would be using. She then told me about the recording equipment she had and what we would do and how the interview would proceed. I was very conscious of the fact that it was RADIO so that everything that was said had to be clear and concise but found myself smiling inwardly and thinking of Terry Wogan's radio firework display and the magician with his conjuring tricks and thinking that surely snorkelling on the radio was a similar Pythonesque activity.
Its only a short drive to the Caves from my house and when we arrived, I was pleased that we had the lay-by to ourselves but disgusted with the amount of litter lying around. I felt I had to apologise to Fiona as though it was MY fault - I've since sent a letter to Dive Magazine along these lines.
However, I showed her the two possible entry sites but decided that it would be easier for her to go through the tunnel under the road and I rigged up a line, which we could hang onto since it was very slippy underfoot. We kitted up, went through the tunnel, got ourselves close to the water and sat on the rocks for the recorded chat. I'd expected a clipboard with cues and handy hints on broadcasting dos and don'ts but Fiona just sailed into it in a most professional manner. First we talked using a normal microphone and digital recorder and I tried to explain why snorkelling, even in Scotland, can be a worthwhile activity. I told her what marine life she could expect to see - fish, octopus, crabs and kelp, which produced some glorious colours, if the sun was shining. I explained that it was very exhilarating, that we could spend up to an hour in the water looking around and we were not likely to get lost!
Another advantage, she concluded, over scuba diving, since our air would not run out and we would not need some of the very expensive equipment required for scuba. I said that snorkelling required a 5 mm wetsuit, hood, gloves, bootees and life vest as well as fins and a weightbelt. This, I explained, was necessary for stability when wearing a wetsuit. I did not, on air, explain that it was also needed when surface diving. I said that one would have to pay around £20-30 for a mask but a snorkel could be bought for anything between £2 and £20.
She switched off that set of recording equipment and brought out another tiny recorder which had been placed in a sealed box with a lead running out of it to a tiny clip-on mike. Fiona then proceeded to wrap the mic in Clingfilm to keep it waterproof. I thought to myself, "That'll never work" and my doubt must have shown because she said it was really a kind of experiment and the recording engineers had said to do the best she could and if it failed…well, too bad. So she connected it all up, fitted the box around her waist and we talked and were recording as we kitted up.
We waded into the water and she sat down on a partially covered rock to fit the fins and squealed daintily as the cold water seeped through her suit! I explained the procedure to demist the mask, which she completed with relish and I made sure that her mask was fitted properly with the silicone next to her skin. I'd put just 4 kg on her weighbelt which was just enough to keep her steady in the water and I explained what we would do - fin alongside the shore, about 5-10 m out, until we came to the pinnacles where the plumose anemones grew. I put my head down to check my mask and saw a wee Bloody Henry starfish (Henricia sanguinolenta) which I lifted gently to show her and let her hold. Her squeals of delight were heard in the broadcast and, after replacing Henry, we flopped forward into the water. At this point the recording produced some interesting gurgles and some of Fiona's breathing was heard as finned along. I pointed out a colourful sea urchin and gently moved her shoulder away when a lion's mane jelly fish came between us. The visibility was very poor due to the rain and the run off from the hills and I had not seen it approaching. We stopped for a minute or two and I looked into the wee box and saw, to my surprise, that the recording was continuing. We went on a bit further until I found the pinnacles but the viz was so bad I explained I would dive to see if it was the anemones. "You stay there," I said... unnecessarily. It was the spot and I took a photograph to compare with others that I have. It was a pity that she could not get the thrill of seeing what I had seen on a previous dive. I asked how she felt and she decided she'd had enough so we finned back to the entry point, avoiding jellyfish again, and discussed what we had seen.
I think Fiona enjoyed the dive but was more nervous than she had expected to be. I thought she did very well considering the lack of pool preparation, which normally precedes an open water dive, and I certainly enjoyed the experience. By Carol Reid of Helensburgh
From the Autumn 2003 edition - Snorkelling News

"Milly's Fund"

The parents of the Walton schoolgirl 'Milly Dowler' who was tragically killed earlier last year have set up a fund in her memory to help educate youngsters on safety issues.
What you may not know is that Milly and her sister were members of the "Kingston and Elmbridge Junior Snorkelling Club" (KEJSC) where their mother was also an instructor.
Nick Stevens, branch leader of KEJSC (Walton) has already organised a sponsored snorkel raising circa £2,000 for the fund.
With that as the backdrop, what is being proposed is an event entitled "The biggest Snorkelling Expedition EVER" To be held at Swanage June/July this year (final details to be confirmed), with a goal of 200+ snorkellers in the water together.
Swanage tourist board has already signed on to the idea, registration with the "Guinness Book of Records" is in progress and there is agreement in principle with BSAC.
Would you like to help, or take part? Or maybe organise an event to be staged in the North timed to coincide with the Swanage event.
Initial contact, Nick Stevens at nick.snorkels@ukdiver.com

Headquarters Update

Chief Examiner does 'U-turn'

In the Programme of Events and in the last issue of Snorkel News & Views it was announced that the Snorkel Dive Marshal course was to be acquired BEFORE progressing on to the Advanced Snorkel Diver. This change was introduced as a result of consultation with a number of Snorkel Advisors and at the time was argued as a constructive move.
The change brought lots of correspondence and phone calls from branches that deal with the training of junior members of the organisation. There were clearly aspects of this change that would impinge on these junior members, which were not brought into the discussions in the first instance.
Many junior members are quite capable of achieving Advance Snorkel Diver but it would be irresponsible of the organisation to expect youngsters to take on the responsibility of running a dive as a Snorkel Dive Marshal.
Not wanting to prevent this progress for the junior members it has been decided to return to a 'status quo' and have Snorkel Dive Marshal as a grade to achieve AFTER Advanced Snorkel Diver.
Can you subsequently amend any publications that show the Snorkel Dive Marshal being a pre-requisite for the Advanced Snorkel Diver qualification?

Alistair Reynolds
Snorkel Chief Examiner

Snorkel Instructor Support Material CD-ROM

As part of the continued improvements being made to the training materials there is now a CD-ROM available covering the pool training courses. The disc covers the Basic Snorkel Diver, Snorkel Diver and Assistant Snorkel Instructor.
The Basic Snorkel Diver course is primarily a practical training course for youngsters being introduced to the sport of snorkelling and the disc provides Snorkel Instructors with a suitable set of notes to cover the course content.
The Snorkel Diver Course involves both theory and practical, so for this course there are instructor notes, a theory presentation as well as student notes.
The Assistant Instructor Course is a course that can be presented in-branch to youngsters who are not old enough to attend an SITC but are competent snorkellers and would be of great assistance to the branch in providing snorkel training under the direct supervision of a qualified snorkel instructor.
The disc will become part of the Ocean Explorer Instructor Manual and supplement the existing disc that has been supplied with the pack. Instructors wishing to add this to their existing manual should contact Julie Williams for a FREE copy.

Open Water Snorkel Instructor Training Course CD-ROM

The Open Water Snorkel Instructor Training Course (OWSITC) CD-ROM is now available and is the second in the series of instructor trainer support materials.
It is for the use of Open Water Snorkel Instructor Trainers, who can deliver the OWSITC at regional and national level.
The CD-ROM contains all the paperwork needed to set the course up with the Pre-course Documents, all the Students Handouts and notes to run the course and Post-course Documents for the instructor trainer to complete after the event.
To help the trainer ensure that the course content is standard across the country, there is a comprehensive set of Instructor Documents, which includes instructor notes and PowerPoint presentations.

Snork Week 2003

Snork Week 2002 was such a great success that it was hoped that the event would continue for 2003. What had not been taken into account was that 2003 was going to be the 50th Anniversary of the organisation.
There are going to be many events taking place in connection with the anniversary and it is essential that we commit ourselves completely to their efficient organisation throughout the whole twelve-month period.
In view of the high commitment that Snork Week 2002 required from HQ staff, it will not be possible to run the event this year. So let's look forward to 2004 when we can embark on another massive campaign to promote snorkelling to the general public with the same success that we did in 2002.
If any of your branches are planning an event, or a project, to celebrate the BSAC's 50th anniversary this year then please pass on your details to Mary Tetley, Operations Manager, 0151 350 6220 or maryt@bsac.com.

New Technical appointment at HQ

Mike Clack joined the Technical Department in January 2003, to assist both the Technical Manager and Coaching Manager in helping to respond to a wide variety of members' technical queries on all aspects of diver training, snorkelling, branch and school management.
Mike is an active diver and instructor - also Area Coach for Shropshire and a member of the West Midlands Coaching Team since 1997, also a past representative for scuba diving on South Staffordshire Sports Council.
Currently a member of Bahar Sub-Aqua Club and a founding member of Maverick Divers, he's enjoyed varied diving at interesting locations the UK and overseas.
Mike was active in helping in the production of all the new diver training material launched in October 2002.
Prior to his appointment, Mike has been a consultant in print, communications, digital imaging, and high quality pre-press colour origination.

Diving Officers conference (DOC) feedback

This year the Diving Officers Conference (DOC) was held on Saturday, 7th December, at the Institute of Education, Bedford Way, London WC1.
The programme included a 30-minute snorkelling presentation by Alistair Reynolds, BSAC Snorkel Chief Examiner and BSAC Technical Manager who updated the delegates on all the activities and progress that has taken place over the past 12 months.
The presentation covered eight main areas of snorkelling and its continued evolution over the year.
After an introduction and general update, the session then concentrated on the following topics
Appointments and Communications
Creation of the Advisor network
The review of the Training material
Corporate members and instruction
Youth groups
New Snorkel Web site
Our "Snork"
What's ahead in 2003…

The details of many of the topics have already been published in the previous two issues of 'Snorkelling News and Views'

Your News and Views

Instructing made worth while!

The following is an e-mail from a snorkeller, sent after his first 'taste' of open water to the instructors involved in his training.

"Just a quick e-mail to say thank you for organising the dive at Treaddur Bay last weekend.
You have introduced me to a whole New World and I have never experienced anything quite like this before.
I have found the pool training quite interesting and learning new skills each week has kept me motivated but the weekend dive has shown me so much more and now I'm completely hooked.
After swimming in the sea for years, I've got to say I never expected to see quite so much sea life with such superb clarity.
Even the rock/cave formations were a spectacular sight in their own right but then to see such a variety of sea creatures/fish was the icing on the cake.
Thank you again for giving up so much of your free time to the club and what was part of your holiday for the dive.
I await impatiently for the next season to start and until then will continue to enjoy the club nights in the pool".

Stephen Williams

Ed-Exactly the sort of encouragement any instructor/would-be-instructor needs and deserves.
Payment in full for all the time and effort each instructor puts into the sport both in the pool and outside.

See the "Chamboree report"

A report on the Try Snorkel and Try Dives at the Scouts Chamboree 2002, Tabley
House, Knutsford.

Sunday 28th July,
75 Try Dives completed.

Monday 29th July,
175 Try Snorkelling completed.

Tuesday 30th July
Pool closed due to pump failure and pipes springing a leak.

Wednesday 31st July,
80 Try Snorkelling and 12 Try Dives completed.

Thursday 1st August
40 Try Snorkelling and 6 Try Dives
completed. Pool closed at lunchtime for treating (Chlorine).

Friday 2nd August
The pool was closed by Environmental Health ! ! ! ! ! Severe flooding, trench foot and Gastric Flu fear that it would
be passed on in the pool.

This was the first time that this had been tried, and apart from the teething problems, it worked brilliantly. The pool was a portable pool, 5 metres in diameter and 1 metre deep. It was a brilliant experience and should be encouraged and done again.

The Scout hospitality was second to none; food and drink, air for the cylinders and a 4x4 to transport the equipment
and cylinders across the field to save the cost of a helicopter airlift.

At one point there was so much rainwater that some of the standing water was deeper than the pool and I wouldn't have been surprised to see the RNLI
turn up in one of their craft to perform a rescue.

The introduction packs were given out so that the leaders of each troop received one including the Russians, Czechs, Irish (I must try to learn the language sometime as every other word seems to start with F??? ) and Special Needs.

We had numerous enquiries regarding courses for Scouts, Scuba
courses for Venture Scouts and Instructor Courses for Leaders and Ventures.

A great time was had by all and my thanks go to all those concerned.

Reproduced from a report by Bob Healey

(Sea) Shore diving

Seldom receiving the attention that it deserves, shore diving is often considered a poor substitute for the spectacular variety of dive sites accessed by boat.
It's an attitude that's widespread and one that often leads to complacency.
Neglecting the attention to detail that is required. Many have come to grief in apparently insignificant depths of water close to shore.

KNOWING FOR 'SHORE'!

Broadly speaking - and unlike boat diving, for example - shore diving tends to place a greater onus of planning responsibility on the individual. It's not simply a case of finding a seemingly attractive spot and plunging in!
Many factors play a part before deciding on a site. It might be to brush up on basic skills; observe and study marine life; practice u/w photography; or just to enjoy the natural underwater environment. But whatever its purpose some sites are better suited to shore diving than others.
Research is critical to the outcome. Check with others familiar with the area to determine the water depth; general environmental conditions; what sort of things to look for; and obstacles that might interfere with the successful completion of the dive. Study available charts and any articles written about the site and determine whether water entry - and exit - is from rocks or across a gradually shelving sandy beach. Remember, too, that in some instances the water depth can plummet to several hundred metres or more just a short distance from the low-water mark.
The weather plays a prominent role in deciding on a location. Where no natural shelter exists, exposure to a driving wind and cold rain can quickly turn what should be an enjoyable experience into a miserable one that has the potential, in colder climates, for the post-dive onset of hypothermia; a dangerous loss of body heat. Alternatively, conditions that offer little
protection from strong sunlight can, in warmer climes, lead to overheating and rapid dehydration.
The ability to accurately gauge the sea state and the potential effects of tides and currents is paramount when shore diving. Waves and swell conditions that might still be acceptable, (albeit a little uncomfortable!) off shore, take on a whole new perspective when, with their energy magnified by shallow waters, they crash onto the shoreline.
The state of the tide often has an influence on underwater visibility; an outgoing tide usually producing lower visibility than does the incoming flow. Tidal variations that exist in different parts of the world need to be taken into consideration. In some areas this can be as much as eight, or more, metres. Exit points that were easily accessed on an outgoing tide at the start of a dive, may well be beyond reach when it's time to leave the water.
Currents can pose particular problems for snorkellers and shore divers. Longshore currents - those that run parallel with the shoreline - can carry divers far beyond the selected exit point; while the back-scattering effect of waves building up on a shoreline can produce strong rip currents to carry the unwary out to sea.
The logistics of shore diving are often more complex than those encountered when snorkelling from a boat. Forgetting a piece of basic equipment when shore diving miles from the nearest dive shop or resort could mean having to abort the dive.
At remote sites with no amenities, snorkel divers have to consider taking with them everything that they'll need, (including drinking water, food and clothing).
They also have to give particular consideration to emergency contact details and have in place a plan that allows for potentially slower response times should an incident occur.
There's also the question of fitness! Putting on your gear and tumbling over the side of a boat is easy. Carrying that same gear to the entry point, sometimes for hundreds of metres over a variety of terrains, requires a deal more stamina. The return journey requires even more!

SHORE TECHNIQUES

As with all forms of diving, planning is everything. Decide on a location and, if it's feasible to do so, select a nearby alternate site should the primary not prove suitable. Ensure that there are no obvious restrictions on using the sites.

• Employ a checklist to confirm that nothing is forgotten or left behind.
• Before setting out, check the weather forecast and the state of the tides. Ensure that somebody knows where you will be and what time you plan to return. (This is especially critical with remote locations.)
• Visually check the intended site on arrival and confirm entry and exit points, (having established at least one alternate exit point). Assess the sea conditions and decide on the most appropriate mode of entry. If any uncertainties exist, abort!
• Establish a suitable kitting up and equipment preparation area.
• Assign buddies; establish the purpose; duration and review hand signals; confirm emergency procedures; and ensure that everybody is familiar with all aspects of the dive.