Sunday Catch Up

With the deep pool being used for filming for two days this week, we didn’t actually start any pool work until Wednesday! We were in the deep pool on Thursday night as Rhonda took the Rescue course students – there were many cases of people dying and being saved! As well as this, we had Open Water students, DSD students and old and new friends in for a play! At the centre on Saturday, we had an Enriched Air course taught by Rhonda and on Sunday, Rhonda was taking an Emergency First Responder (EFR) course, with some of her rescue course students. Fernando, Adam, Rachel, John and Mia, are all now ready for action and can say HI MY NAME IS….!

Also on Saturday, Ian S. was going over the theory and briefing for the Self Reliant course at Nemes. With the new self reliant course, the emphasis is on looking after yourself, whilst with a buddy – NOT SOLO DIVING! Skills included no mask swim (which we were informed was a shock to the system with water temperature below 4°!) and a tiring 200m surface swim with full kit! Our three students, Paul, Peter and Joe, all qualified that day – congratulations!

As it was school half term this week, we were running the scuba diving holiday programme at South Woodham Ferrers leisure centre. Gary and Janie had six 8-12 year olds trying out scuba diving, some of which had been in before and so have heard Gary’s jokes previously! Everyone had a great time in the water, especially playing with the toy torpedoes!

Gary travelled to North Devon on Thursday this week to have a look at future dive locations including Lundy Island – the first British marine sanctuary! His time in Devon fell fail of the weather with high winds, driving rain, snow and hail – so most of the time was spent sampling good food and cream teas instead!

Next week we are back to normal! The deep pool is on Tuesday evening and SWF pool is on Thursday evening. Gary will also be working with South Essex College Open Water Students, Basildon Academy Sport BTEC Confined Open Water skills and will be mentoring at Basildon Academy throughout the week!