News
BSAC reiterates safe diving message
After recent diving incidents over the summer, BSAC is encouraging divers to ‘dive safe’ at all times.
While current evidence shows that there is no clear reason or trend for the recent diving fatalities, they are a tragic reminder of the potential dangers of scuba diving and the importance of ‘diving safe’.
As the sport’s UK governing body, BSAC has reiterated its safe diving guidance to all divers. BSAC Chairman Eugene Farrell said that while diving fatalities in the UK are low, the loss of any diver is acutely felt within the community.
“Diving fatalities often involve multiple factors rather than a single trigger or cause. As divers we can all take the some simple steps to minimise any risk and to ensure the safe enjoyment of our sport.”
How to stay safe – BSAC’s essential guide to safe diving
- Follow your training and adhere to depth and other limits in line with your diving qualification
- Keep in practice and refresh skills following any break from diving
- Gain new skills and experience progressively – practice in controlled conditions before using in open water
- Maintain your equipment, have it serviced regularly and check for faults
- Follow ‘Safe Diving’ and use common sense
- Consider the use of checklists, especially for complex dives and equipment (eg rebreathers)
- Plan and prepare for every dive and follow the plan
- Look after your personal fitness and ensure that you are up to the physical demands of the planned dive
- Be prepared to cancel or terminate a dive if you feel unhappy about conditions or problems arising
- Use an appropriate gas, especially for deeper diving to minimise the effects of narcosis
BSAC has a comprehensive A-Z guide to Safe Diving which is available for all divers to download here.
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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