Experience scuba is our link to the local community and allows as many different people as possible to take part, coming from all walks of life and background.

I was asked again this year by Venture Scouts from Bishop Auckland to take a group of twenty young people plus leaders to “experience scuba”.  A date was agreed and lectures on safety, equipment etc. were carried out at the scouts own hut.

 During the arrangements we were asked if it was possible for one of the prospective leaders- Philip Harnby 21, to be invested as an “Assistant Explorer Scout Leader” with St George Explorer Scout Unit, while underwater. A request we where more than happy to help with.

Ian Johnson, District Commissioner, who also had to go underwater for the event, said, “In a moment of madness, we dreamt up the idea and it was only when we got in the pool that Phil knew what was happening. Scouting is about having fun - for the Leaders as well as the youngsters, and this is just one example”.

I was asked to take some underwater photographs and one of them was published on the front of our local free paper complete with an article covering the event…..

Each Experience Scuba session takes a lot of organising and unseen hard work, all of which has to be carried out to a strict timetable.  From the lecture at the Scout hut, preparation of the scuba equipment, which then has to be collected and transported to the local swimming pool, organising of the pool instructors and finally not least the students themselves.

Each pool session is taken at the students pace and matched to their individual ability.  With the emphasis being to provide an opportunity to experience the underwater world in a safe and friendly environment.

The scout leader stated that “it gave the scouts confidence in themselves and as a group trying a new experience together it helped them bond together, they all enjoyed very much”

Overall experience scuba brings much enjoyment as well as a challenge to those who participate, many of who will  go to learn to dive, which we hope will in turn bring new members into our and other local clubs. 

The experience scuba team work hard for no reward other than the satisfaction gained from seeing others try a new experience and learn a sport they enjoy.

Susan Blanch

Experience Scuba Liaison Officer