SCUBAHUB
Return of the Poseidon Adventure
Snorkels for schools
THE FIRST TWO SCHOOLS FROM BSAC ’ S new School Partnership Scheme have formally set up as snorkel branches .
Abbotsholme School in Staffordshire and Farnham-based Frensham Heights have established their own BSAC snorkel clubs to provide ‘ in-house ’ snorkelling for pupils .
Both schools are participating in the BSAC School Partnership Scheme , which aims to make snorkel and scuba training accessible to even more young people .
As part of the scheme , a group of teachers and pupils from Abbotsholme recently completed the Snorkel Instructor Training Course ( SITCA ), meaning the school can now offer Snorkel Diver training to its own pupils . Meanwhile Frensham Heights is preparing to also take part in its own SITCA training .
Mark Paisey , BSAC ’ s School Partnership Scheme coordinator , said the project gives schools the choice as to how they want to engage their pupils in snorkelling activities .
FOLLOWING ON FROM THE SUCCESS OF the first BSAC and Poseidon Try Tech event earlier this year , another weekend has been scheduled this September at Capernwray . Members interested in trying out rebreather diving can book a session over the weekend of 24 and 25 September . To be held at Capernwray Diving Centre in Lancashire , participants will have the opportunity to try out a Poseidon Rebreather . The aim of the event is to enable Sports Divers and above who are CCR-curious to experience first-hand Poseidon ’ s Se7en units . The first BSAC Poseidon Try Tech was held at Stoney Cove back in March . Coordinated
“ The beauty of the initiative is that schools can adapt the support on offer to give a tailored experience for their pupils ,” Mark explained . “ Both Frensham and Abbotsholme will now run snorkel training within their own BSAC snorkel branch .
“ Meanwhile , other participating schools are choosing to access BSAC Snorkel Instructors to run weekly training sessions . It all about what works for a school and its pupils .”
So far , 20 independent schools around the UK have signed up for the partnership scheme , with 54 pupils from Stroud School - the first to join the initiative - recently qualifying as Snorkel Divers .
More schools are now set to come onboard the initiative , with plans to also work with the Sea Cadets and Duke of Edinburgh scheme .
For more information on the School Partnership Scheme , email Mark Paisey at coach . leader @ bsac . com by Quantumdiver ’ s Colin Rotheram , 10 try-tech sessions will be held each day of the latest event at Capernwray . With the Sunday sessions now fully booked , Colin said there was still the opportunity to book a place on the Saturday . “ This is a great opportunity for open circuit divers to try out a Poseidon rebreather and discover just what CCR diving is all about .” The BSAC Poseidon Try Tech event at Capernwray is open to Sports Divers ( or equivalent ) and above . Each session costs £ 10 and will last 30-45 minutes . For more information and to book a try tech session go to bsac . com / poseidontrytech
Dawn Butler and Julian Gill from Aldershot Dolphins get ready for the first Dolphin Snorkeller class at Stroud School
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