SCUBA January/February 2023 Issue 132 | Page 34

On the causeway coast of Northern Ireland , BSAC club Skerrie Scuba has just celebrated its 50th anniversary . Interview by Kristina Pedder
CLUBFOCUS
LOCATION : Portrush , Northern Ireland
MEMBERSHIP FEE : PYC £ 100 single /£ 130 family plus BSAC
CONTACT : e skerrie . scuba @ portrushyachtclub . com
! https :// portrushyachtclub . com / diving ( under development )
F Skerrie Scuba – Portrush Yacht Club BSAC
Lost phone returned to owner
Portrush Harbour clean-up

Skerrie Scuba

On the causeway coast of Northern Ireland , BSAC club Skerrie Scuba has just celebrated its 50th anniversary . Interview by Kristina Pedder

What is Skerrie Scuba ?
Skerrie Scuba is a special branch of BSAC attached to Portrush Yacht Club . That means that to be a member of Skerrie Scuba you must be a member of the yacht club . The diving section was formed in 1972 ; the yacht club itself was founded in 1894 .
Who can join ?
People join from both the local area and from other areas further afield in Northern Ireland , due to the fantastic location and club culture . We strive to create a diverse and inclusive club . Our volunteers run activities for club members to help grow a friendly , connected community through a common interest in diving .
Who are your members ?
Members span a wide age range . We are very close in both distance and relationship , with the University of Ulster at Coleraine ( UUC ), based about six miles away . Each year a number of students join us , become yacht club members and complete an Ocean Diver course . The relationship with the university began about 15 years ago , when Chris Gill , a senior lecturer at UUC and now an Assistant Instructor with the club , became a member . He takes the lead with the students and coordinates recruitment at fresher ’ s fairs . At the other extreme , we have a number of maybe-not-so-young members , but , hey , the cold Atlantic water keeps you young at heart , doesn ’ t it ?
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