Andy Hunt ’ s Coastguard milestone
BSAC ’ S EXPEDITION OFFICER , ANDY Hunt has been awarded his long service medal by HM Coastguard to acknowledge his 20 years as a Coastguard Rescue Officer .
Andy , who lives on the Isle of Wight , was presented with the award for exemplary service two decades after originally volunteering for the Blyth Coastguard team in Northumberland . He is currently an active member of the Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team on the Isle of Wight .
Coastguard Rescue Officers ( CROs ) are volunteers stationed in teams around the UK coastline .
Speaking after receiving his long service award at a presentation in Bembridge , Andy said his time as a CRO was deeply rewarding and encouraged others to consider becoming an HM Coastguard volunteer .
“ Some people get confused between the RNLI and Coastguard . In an emergency , you simply dial 999 and ask for Coastguard and they decide what help to send you , whether that ’ s a helicopter , lifeboat or a Coastguard Rescue Team or other emergency services ,” said Andy .
“ We are called to a wide range of emergencies – people ( or more often their pet dogs ) stuck on cliffs , people stuck in mud , searches along the coastline for missing people or vessels , supporting flood response teams locally and nationally , working with RNLI , or working with bomb disposal teams if ordnance is washed up on the beach .”
BSAC Chair Edward Haynes commended Andy on his HM Coastguard long service award .
“ On behalf of BSAC , I would like to congratulate Andy on his commitment and achievements with the Coastguard . As with his work with BSAC , he always brings a wealth of knowledge , skills and expertise and is an example of the difference volunteering can make .”
For more information on volunteering for HM Coastguard , go to www . hmcoastguard . uk / volunteer-as-a-coastguard
Working on a winter webinar
WITH THE ARRIVAL OF WINTER ’ S DARK nights , now ’ s the time to make the most of BSAC ’ s webinar library to brush up on your diving knowledge , ready for next year ’ s diving season .
Originally created during the Covid pandemic to help keep members inspired and motivated while unable to dive , the webinar programme remains online and offers members a diverse range of divingrelated videos to watch at any time .
There are currently more than 140 videos in the catch-up webinar library , covering subjects ranging from diver training theory to club support , as well as a host of specialist subjects , including marine conservation and wreck guides .
All the webinars have been created by an experienced team of BSAC volunteers and are archived for quick and easy access . There is also an additional section featuring short skills videos to give divers and snorkellers the opportunity to brush up on essential diving skills in the comfort of their own home .
To browse or view BSAC ’ s webinar library and skills videos , go to bsac . com / catchup
Benefit of the Month
BSAC Plus
DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR BSAC membership could bring some Christmas cheer thanks to a range of savings that can help cut the cost of your festive spending . As a BSAC member , you have access to our fantastic discount saving scheme , BSAC Plus , which means you can not only save your everyday spending this Christmas but also all year round .
From your weekly supermarket shop and high street essentials to meals out , nights at the cinema and even your household bills , BSAC Plus helps you to make the most of your money . And this can add up to a few extra festive treats or even a great deal on a much-needed post- Christmas holiday .
Here ’ s how BSAC Plus is a real gift this Christmas :
Save on your everyday bills By using BSAC Plus to save on everyday expenses , such as insurance , utilities , and motoring , you could have a little extra in your pocket this Christmas time .
Save £££ on seasonal food and drink With BSAC Plus , you can take advantage of great discounts with some of the leading food retailers , including Tesco , Marks & Spencer and Asda . And , by using one of the BSAC Plus reloadable gift cards you can prepare for your Christmas food shop now as well as taking advantage of cashback when you spend .
Save up to 10 % on Christmas gifts , homeware and decorations
From clothes and toys to homeware , gadgets and electricals , you could save up to 10 % on a range of Christmas gift and home decoration ideas from the best of the high street online , including Boots , Argos and Currys .
“ BSAC Plus has saved me hundreds of pounds on supermarket and other shopping I was already doing . It covers the cost of my membership and some !”
ADRIAN GRIFFITHS , Deeside Sub Aqua Club
For more information on BSAC Plus and how to cash in this Christmas go to bsac . com / bsacplus
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