Benefit of SCUBAHUB the Month
Fourth Element
The university challenge
A series of initiatives are helping BSAC ’ s university clubs get back on track after being hit by the pandemic . BSAC ’ s Universities Coordinator , Yasmine Thorn , reports
SINCE STARTING AS BSAC ’ S Universities Coordinator , it has been wonderful to watch the clubs grow and expand their diving . University clubs generally have a short turnaround in membership , and as a result the pandemic hit hard for universities . Sadly , that has led to a few of our university clubs lapsing . With support from the Uni Project run by BSAC HQ , we have ramped up the support and opportunities for BSAC university clubs to help them get back on their fins .
This year , after gathering feedback from uni club committees , we launched student discounts on digital and Online Learning training . These options were affordable , environmentally friendly and customisable to suit students and their club ’ s needs best . Options included Ocean Diver , Advanced Ocean Diver , Sports Diver , and multi-course / multi-year membership offers . We also addressed the cost barrier to instructor training for uni students by implementing a 30 % discount on Instructor Training Scheme ( ITS ) events for all uni branch members . All these offers have proven massively popular and are still active until the end of April 2023 .
Another barrier we noted was transport to and from ITS events – most uni students don ’ t bring cars to uni . In partnership with the ITS programme , we responded to this by piloting the first few uni ITS events , ran at universities . These have been a great success .
All these initiatives have seen the membership numbers in university branches grow , hitting 600 for the first time since the pandemic . In 2023 we are now looking to increase support on the ground for university branches , helping to better
integrate them into the BSAC network and make better use of local resources . We have recruited Regional University Representatives who will work with university clubs in the area they support and liaise with other clubs and regional teams in the area .
Our team is new and just getting established , but we do have room for more . So , if you would like to get involved with the universities team or have any ideas you ’ d like to share please get in touch with me at yasmine . thorn @ bsac . com
LOOKING TO UPDATE YOUR DRYSUIT ready for this year ’ s dive season ? Then there ’ s still time to take advantage of a fantastic offer from member benefit partner , Fourth Element .
Until 30 June , members can save £ 100 on the retail price of Fourth Element ’ s Hydra drysuit , meaning you can buy this popular and versatile neoprene suit for £ 799 .
The Hydra drysuit is ideal as a first drysuit or an upgrade from an entrylevel suit . Ideally suited to UK diving , the neoprene suit embodies design features to make it streamlined with as much similarity to a wetsuit or semi-dry as possible . Made from high-density 4mm neoprene , the suit provides warmth while maintaining freedom of movement . The suit is available in both male and female versions .
To take advantage of this time-limited offer , BSAC members can either :
■ Purchase from Fourth Element online at www . fourthelement . com
■ Call Fourth Element directly on 01326 574745
■ Or purchase via any Fourth Element dealer – a full list of participating dealers can be found at bsac . com / FE
Members will need to provide their current membership number to access this special offer . Please note , this offer is not available to those based in North America , Asia and Australia .
Did you know ….
… that as a BSAC member , you can access more exclusive offers like this ? And shopping with our current BSAC benefit partners means you could save your BSAC annual membership , several times over !
From scuba gear , diving holidays and diver insurance , to everyday purchases on food , online shopping and retail with BSAC Plus – check out the full BSAC member benefit range at bsac . com / benefits
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