Suited and booted on the beach
Chartwork in the dry
For successful completion of the BSAC Snorkel Guide course , a participant will have been assessed or demonstrated they already hold a suitable qualification in 22 areas . April on Eigg was not the warmest environment , with a water temperature of 8 ° C ; land temperatures between 5-7 ° C and mainly northerly winds , albeit with occasional sunshine . The weather did not detract from the beautiful scenic surroundings and sandy beaches of Eigg , or the enthusiasm and commitment of the students .
Mask check
Dry robes , ready for getting out of the water , well-fitting 5mm wet suits , hoods and gloves were the ‘ dress of the day ’. It helped enormously that everyone was acclimatised to the water conditions of Scotland in April . Although the water temperature did dictate careful management of the in-water time , I have to admit to wearing a drysuit for teaching and assessing rescue skills , so that I was able to stay in the water as the students came in one pair at a time .
As we worked through the course , I had to remind myself it was not instructor training , although there are similarities . Snorkel Guides may need to help and advise their clients to successfully use their mask , snorkel and fins , but they are not formally teaching . The focus for a Snorkel Guide is to select a safe , suitable and interesting location for an enjoyable snorkel excursion . Then lead their group all together in their buddy pairs , keeping them safe , but at the same time showing off the underwater life and any other points of interest . Having good rescue skills and knowing what to do in an emergency are also key elements .
We completed the training working from both the old and the new ferry piers . Throughout , we had good underwater visibility ( 5 + m ) although unfortunately
Snorkel Guide areas of assessment .
■ Oxygen administration
■ AED use
■ First aid
■ Chartwork
■ Surface supervisor
■ Snorkel excursion brief
■ Snorkel excursion execution
■ Snorkel excursion debrief
■ Equipment care
■ Emergency action plan ( EAP )
■ Rescue skills
■ Group management
■ Surface dive to 5m
■ Underwater swim 25m
■ 800m snorkel swim
■ Head down snorkel clearing .
■ Different finning techniques
■ General skills level
■ Theory knowledge
■ Working as a team
■ Leadership skills
■ Familiar with locations used
Snorkel Guide training is delivered by a BSAC Advanced Snorkel Instructor .
Dark skies , but bright faces
Jon , ready to lead
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