New Coach for Wales
BSAC HAS WELCOMED ITS NEW Regional Coach for Wales , with Steve Barnard stepping into the role . Steve takes over from outgoing Wales Coach Steve Slater , who held the post for the last four years .
A committee member of both Blue Planet Explorers and North Wales Technical Divers Sub-Aqua Club , Steve has a background in professional and technical diving . A rebreather and open circuit technical diving instructor , he has trained divers at all levels , supported dive clubs and provided professional services to dive centres in the UK , Cyprus and Egypt . Based in North Wales , he is also an active RNLI Lifeboat Helmsman and Lifeboat Training Coordinator .
As the new Wales Regional Coach , Steve will work to develop a network of instructors to facilitate training , provide support and maximise opportunities within the region .
“ I ’ m a firm believer in safe practices , positivity and the empowerment and encouragement of others to get what they want out of diving ,” Steve says .
Announcing the new appointment , BSAC Diving and Training Advisor Julia Branagan said :
“ Our Regional Coaches provide an invaluable service to our club network , both with the Diver Training Programme and organising regional training events for members . I ’ m sure you ’ ll join me in welcoming Steve as a Regional Coach , and we look forward to working with him as he brings his considerable skills and experience to support BSAC training in Wales .”
For more information on the Regional Coaching Scheme in your area , or to contact your Regional Coach , go to bsac . com / coaching
Chorley ’ s platinum challenge
CHORLEY SAC IS MARKING BSAC ’ S 70th anniversary by diving 70 different sites over the course of the year .
With BSAC inviting its clubs to celebrate the club ’ s platinum year , Chorley is the latest to take up the challenge and is now using the 70th year to encourage its members to do a wide range of diving during 2023 .
At the time of going to print , Chorley ’ s total is sitting around the 40 different dive site mark . The club ’ s Diving Officer , Antony Mould , says they won ’ t stop at 70 if there are more dive site opportunities this year .
“ We did something similar in 2018 when it was Chorley SAC ’ s 50th anniversary . It encouraged our members to dive different sites , and also generated some good publicity for the club ,” said Anthony .
“ This year , we don ’ t plan to stop counting when we get to 70 . In 2018 we set out to dive 50 different sites , and the final tally was 153 , so we ’ d love to beat that but it ’ s a tall order !”
Passing the 70-dive site barrier looks like a real possibility for Chorley SAC , as they have plenty of club trips planned for the rest of the year , including trips to Dunoon , Eyemouth , Sound of Mull , Kinlochbervie , North Wales and the Farnes . There is also a club trip to the Red Sea to round off BSAC ’ s 70th year .
Anthony said the 70 Challenge was not only a good way for the club to recognise BSAC ’ s 70th anniversary but also to motivate and inspire its own members .
“ Doing such a challenge encourages us to dive new places , and generates enthusiasm from our members , as well as promoting the club ,” he added .
Get involved in BSAC ’ s platinum year !
Counting down to its platinum anniversary on 15 October , BSAC is encouraging more clubs and members to get involved by organising an event to celebrate the big 7-0 .
“ We hope in our 70th year that our clubs will celebrate with us ,” said BSAC CEO , Mary Tetley . “ You could have a big birthday bash , a fundraising event or a 70th challenge of some kind . Or it could be an already planned club event given that extra Platinum twist . Just keep us posted on your plans !”
Clubs can share their 70th celebration pictures or videos on your social channels using the # BSACdivers hashtag . You can also send them in directly to marketing @ bsac . com for potential inclusion in SCUBA magazine .
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