SCUBAHUB
Tributes for the veteran diver who just kept on inspiring us
BSAC MEMBER RAY WOOLLEY , WHO WAS the three-time Guinness record holder for the world ’ s oldest scuba diver , has died aged 99 .
Ray , a member of Western Sovereign Base Area SAC ( previously RAF Akrotiri club ) in Cyprus , had been an active diver for over 60 years , having learnt to dive with Portland and Weymouth BSAC .
The great-grandfather first became the world ’ s oldest scuba diver in 2017 , when he dived for 41 minutes to a maximum depth of 38m on the wreck of the Zenobia to mark his 94th birthday . His diving efforts resulted in his first world record , beating the previous oldest scuba diver , 93-year-old American , Erwin Paul Staller .
Ray went on to break his own world record two more times , with his last record-breaking dive in 2019 at the age of 96 years and three days , taking him back to the Zenobia in Larnaca Bay and a maximum depth of 42m .
Originally from the Wirral , Second World War veteran Ray retired to Limassol in Cyprus
Make a difference with BSAC
THERE IS STILL TIME TO PUT YOUR name forward for BSAC Council and help shape the strategic growth and development of the club .
BSAC is accepting candidate nominations for the Council positions that are becoming available in May 2023 , with the closing date of 31 January 2023 for applications to be submitted .
The 2023 Election sees some key Council positions becoming available – Vice Chair and Honorary Secretary as well as three Council member posts .
BSAC is particularly looking for volunteers with specific experience or expertise , including charity governance ,
brand development , marketing , fundraising and international business development . A full list of the desired skills and experiences can be found in the BSAC Council election pack , which can be downloaded at bsac . com / election2023
Successful candidates in the 2023 BSAC election will take up their Council positions at the club ’ s AGM next May .
BSAC Chair , Edward Haynes said it was an exciting time to join BSAC Council and be part of the team to lead BSAC successfully forward .
“ There are many opportunities as well as challenges ahead for the club , and so we are looking for candidates with the right mix of leadership , skills and experience to join the team . Being a Council member is hugely rewarding and is also the chance for members with particular skillsets to join us around the board table and help make a difference .” in 1999 after a career as a radio engineer for the Foreign Office . He had previously served as a radio operator in the Royal Navy during the Second World War , where he was later seconded to the Special Boat Service .
Ray was an inspirational figure for many , and an avid champion of keeping fit and active in old age . Speaking to SCUBA at the time of his first world record attempt in 2017 , he described how he was still swimming for up to two hours a day . He was also the focus of a short documentary , ‘ Life Begins at 90 ’.
Ray ’ s last dive was in September 2021 , although he was reported to have been aiming to get back into the water to mark his 100th birthday . However , his declining health meant the club planned to mark his centenary with a club dive , accompanied by Ray on the dive boat .
Dive buddy and close friend , Dave Turner , who played a key role in organising the record-breaking dives , said Ray was an inspiration who would be greatly missed .
“ Ray was a proud , independent , true gentleman who was a firm believer in BSAC and whose motto was ‘ everything in moderation ’.
“ He inspired many and was always available to help at the club , do surface cover , dive manage , participate in training and help . He had time for everyone , and age was not an issue for him .
“ He was also a pleasure to know and to dive with and he will be greatly missed . Our thoughts are with his family and friends .”
Ray ’ s funeral was held in Limassol on 2 December . Members of his dive club are also planning on holding a 100th birthday dive next August in his memory .
Anyone wishing to stand must be a paidup full BSAC member and should complete and submit the online nomination form by 11:59pm on 31 January 2023 . For more information and to apply , go to bsac . com / election2023
Special Resolutions
Any Special Resolutions / Motions to be raised at BSAC ’ s AGM 2023 must also be submitted by 11:59pm on 31 January 2023 .
Special Resolutions / Motions to be raised at the AGM submitted by a branch committee must be accompanied by the relevant extract from the minutes of the branch meeting . Special Resolutions / Motions submitted by a voting member must be seconded by at least four other voting members .
All Special Resolutions / Motions should be sent to BSAC ’ s Honorary Secretary c / o Chief Executive Mary Tetley at maryt @ bsac . com
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