Steps forward in safeguarding
More than 100 attended Kernow Dive Fest
RIBs at Penzance harbour
Kernow shines through summer
A BLUSTERY WEEKEND FAILED TO dampen spirits as divers descended on Penzance to celebrate a record-breaking Kernow Dive Fest .
A total of 18 clubs and more than 100 divers from the Southwest and further afield – including London , Wales , Cheshire and the West Midlands - defied the mixed weather to enjoy a June weekend of diving and socialising .
Based on Ponsandane Campsite , 28 boat loads of divers were able to adjust their diving plans to a total of 11 sheltered sites where they were able to escape the worst of the weather .
Post-dive , the Kernow festival goers then celebrated at a campsite barbecue , raffle and social , which raised £ 7,350 for the festival ’ s chosen charity , DDRC Healthcare .
The traditional barbecue
To-date Kernow has raised more than £ 61,000 for DDRC .
Kernow Dive Fest coordinator Luke Bullus said that despite the weather and dive organisation challenges , this year ’ s festival proved to be the one to beat .
“ This was the 22nd Kernow Dive Fest and despite everything we had a record event this year , Luke explained .
“ We broke all the Kernow records ! From the number of divers signing up , the number of t-shirts sold , to the number of sponsors and businesses that donated towards the raffle and auction , which all resulted in smashing the record for the amount raised for DDRC .”
Plans are now in place for Kernow Dive Fest 2025 . For more information , go to www . kernowdiving . org . uk
BSAC HAS APPOINTED A NEW national Safeguarding Officer , with former East Midlands Regional Coach , Dr Linda Ritson , stepping into the role .
As part of its strategic goal to attract and recruit more younger members , Linda will now oversee BSAC ’ s safeguarding and welfare support , advice and training opportunities for clubs and members . With a professional doctorate in education , Linda has spent many years working with disengaged , marginalised and disaffected children and young people . She said she welcomed the opportunity to combine her diving life with her professional experience of working with young people to take safeguarding within BSAC forward .
“ From improving knowledge and understanding among the membership to empowering our clubs and their Welfare Officers , my goal is to make safeguarding a routine part of BSAC club and diving life .”
A member of BSAC since 1998 , she is a First Class Diver , an Advanced Instructor , Diving for All Instructor Trainer and an Instructor Trainer . Linda is currently a member of East Midlands Sub-Aqua Club .
BSAC CEO Mary Tetley said she was delighted Linda had taken up the Safeguarding Officer role .
“ Inclusivity and accessibility are at the heart of BSAC ,” said Mary . “ With Linda now at the helm , we can continue to ensure our clubs have the training and knowledge to support both young people and adults in their full enjoyment of our sport .”
To contact Linda with any questions regarding BSAC safeguarding , email her at safeguardingofficer @ bsac . com
For more information on safeguarding for clubs go to www . bsac . com / adviceand-support / club-support / duty-ofcare-and-welfare /
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