Dorking Snorkelling Club
Branch 3081 of the British Sub-Aqua Club
Welcome to the Dorking Snorkelling Club, a branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC).
This page will provide you with all the information you need to know about the club.
Branch 3081 of the British Sub-Aqua Club
Welcome to the Dorking Snorkelling Club, a branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC).
This page will provide you with all the information you need to know about the club.
Time and Place of Meetings
We meet at the Dorking Sports Centre, Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SW on Sunday mornings. The pool session is from 8:30am to 9:30am. Allow 10 minutes before your session is due to start. We meet in school term time and break for half term. The dates are stated on the club website and posted on the notice board at the Sports centre.
What we are
The club exists to teach young and old how to enjoy safely the sport of snorkelling, and to introduce you to the fantastic world under the sea, which you can view from close to the surface.
We meet at the Dorking Sports Centre, Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SW on Sunday mornings. The pool session is from 8:30am to 9:30am. Allow 10 minutes before your session is due to start. We meet in school term time and break for half term. The dates are stated on the club website and posted on the notice board at the Sports centre.
What we are
The club exists to teach young and old how to enjoy safely the sport of snorkelling, and to introduce you to the fantastic world under the sea, which you can view from close to the surface.
BSAC
Snorkel Diver Course
Manual
What Happens
The club training is based on progressing through a series of “learning how to” exercises. Theory lectures are given to complement practical sessions in the pool (much of this is similar to topics covered in Physics and Biology at school). Advancement occurs at your own pace, through several grades:
•Experience Snorkelling
•Dolphin Snorkeller (optional level for younger members)
•Snorkel Diver
•Advanced Snorkeller
•Snorkel Dive Manager
Only very highly skilled and competent Snorkeller can achieve this highest qualification.
The club training is based on progressing through a series of “learning how to” exercises. Theory lectures are given to complement practical sessions in the pool (much of this is similar to topics covered in Physics and Biology at school). Advancement occurs at your own pace, through several grades:
•Experience Snorkelling
•Dolphin Snorkeller (optional level for younger members)
•Snorkel Diver
•Advanced Snorkeller
•Snorkel Dive Manager
Only very highly skilled and competent Snorkeller can achieve this highest qualification.
Practising Snorkel Rescue
Basic training is also given in first-aid, rescue and resuscitation techniques as part of the Snorkel lifesaver award.
There are also opportunities to train as Instructors, Assistant Instructors and Junior Leaders. We run Junior Leader courses within the branch and facilitate attendance at regional instructor courses.
Optional courses for those over 14 are available through BSAC including Boat handling,
First Aid for Divers and Oxygen Administration. Please see www.bsac-se.org.uk/ for dates and for more information please discuss with the Diving Officer.
There are also opportunities to train as Instructors, Assistant Instructors and Junior Leaders. We run Junior Leader courses within the branch and facilitate attendance at regional instructor courses.
Optional courses for those over 14 are available through BSAC including Boat handling,
First Aid for Divers and Oxygen Administration. Please see www.bsac-se.org.uk/ for dates and for more information please discuss with the Diving Officer.
Kimmeridge Bay in Dorset
During the summer months, the club organises day trips and long weekends to the coast, so that open water skills can be taught and tested. These trips are usually supported by the club’s own boat, which allows a greater range of dive sites to be explored.
We visit a variety of Open water sites including sheltered inland reservoirs such as Wraysbury, local coastal sites such as Pagham and sites in Dorset, Devon and Pembrokeshire. Transport is not provided and parents are welcome to join us on the shore when they bring their children.
Outside of the summer months, the club organises various outdoor activities designed to complement the skills needed for snorkelling – this includes map reading, boat handling, and orienteering.
We also hold a Christmas party each year which consists of a fun pool session, often using the pool’s inflatable, with food and a quiz
afterwards.
We visit a variety of Open water sites including sheltered inland reservoirs such as Wraysbury, local coastal sites such as Pagham and sites in Dorset, Devon and Pembrokeshire. Transport is not provided and parents are welcome to join us on the shore when they bring their children.
Outside of the summer months, the club organises various outdoor activities designed to complement the skills needed for snorkelling – this includes map reading, boat handling, and orienteering.
We also hold a Christmas party each year which consists of a fun pool session, often using the pool’s inflatable, with food and a quiz
afterwards.
Equal Opportunities
Dorking Snorkelling Club firmly believes that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in the sport of snorkelling and physical activity regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief.
Dorking Snorkelling Club will ensure that there is equal access and choice for everyone wishing to be involved in snorkelling and physical activity, whether as a participant or as a volunteer, as well as for all those wishing to follow a career in sport and leisure. Dorking Snorkelling Club acknowledges that inequalities exist and will take positive action to minimise them.
Equipment
The club will provide you with basic equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) for your first few sessions. Once you have settled in, you will be expected to obtain your own. Before purchasing any equipment, it is recommended that you talk to any of the instructors for advice; you will also learn the basics of equipment choice and maintenance early in your training.
For the more advanced snorkelers, and those planning much open water snorkelling, a wet suit is needed. The club does not keep a stock of wet suits so you will have to provide your own. Wet suits can be hired from many dive shops, and you may consider doing this before making the commitment of purchasing one. Children out growing their wet suits each year can be a problem, although there is usually a supply of “hand me down” suits available at reasonable cost from other club members.
Other equipment required for open water snorkelling, such as life jackets and weight belts, are normally provided by the club. All
your own equipment should be marked with your name.
Volunteering
The club is entirely run by volunteers. All instructors and committee members give their time freely and for the benefit of the club without claiming expenses.
Members and parents are encouraged to volunteer to help the club. Examples of how you can help include helping to organise our trips, the club’s Christmas party, assist with looking after equipment, helping on the reception desk and publicity. If you have any particular skills such as website design we’d be particularly keen to hear from you. Our Volunteer coordinator will be happy to talk to you about the volunteering opportunities.
Safeguarding Young and Vulnerable people
We have a full policy on safeguarding young and vulnerable people. This includes DBS checks and our Welfare Officer will be happy to provide copies of the policy and answer any questions about
Dorking Snorkelling Club firmly believes that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in the sport of snorkelling and physical activity regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief.
Dorking Snorkelling Club will ensure that there is equal access and choice for everyone wishing to be involved in snorkelling and physical activity, whether as a participant or as a volunteer, as well as for all those wishing to follow a career in sport and leisure. Dorking Snorkelling Club acknowledges that inequalities exist and will take positive action to minimise them.
Equipment
The club will provide you with basic equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) for your first few sessions. Once you have settled in, you will be expected to obtain your own. Before purchasing any equipment, it is recommended that you talk to any of the instructors for advice; you will also learn the basics of equipment choice and maintenance early in your training.
For the more advanced snorkelers, and those planning much open water snorkelling, a wet suit is needed. The club does not keep a stock of wet suits so you will have to provide your own. Wet suits can be hired from many dive shops, and you may consider doing this before making the commitment of purchasing one. Children out growing their wet suits each year can be a problem, although there is usually a supply of “hand me down” suits available at reasonable cost from other club members.
Other equipment required for open water snorkelling, such as life jackets and weight belts, are normally provided by the club. All
your own equipment should be marked with your name.
Volunteering
The club is entirely run by volunteers. All instructors and committee members give their time freely and for the benefit of the club without claiming expenses.
Members and parents are encouraged to volunteer to help the club. Examples of how you can help include helping to organise our trips, the club’s Christmas party, assist with looking after equipment, helping on the reception desk and publicity. If you have any particular skills such as website design we’d be particularly keen to hear from you. Our Volunteer coordinator will be happy to talk to you about the volunteering opportunities.
Safeguarding Young and Vulnerable people
We have a full policy on safeguarding young and vulnerable people. This includes DBS checks and our Welfare Officer will be happy to provide copies of the policy and answer any questions about
Communication
We make efforts to keep members informed of developments and plans. Please check the notice board and also the front desk on Sunday’s. In addition, all major notices are also sent by email. Please ensure that we have your up to date email details.
Odds and Ends
Snorkellers should bring their Qualification Record Books to every session and get it signed by your instructor each time you complete a test. If possible, keep your Log Book in a waterproof plastic bag or case.
BSAC have a snorkelling website which can be found at http://www.bsac.com/landing.asp?section=365
BSAC have a Monthly email Newsletter, BSAC Talk. Register for your copy by visiting
http://www.bsac.com/page.asp?section=1825§ionTitle=BSAC+Mailing+Lists
Rules and Regulations
We do need to make a few rules and regulations, amongst which are:
- You must agree to the clubs Code of Conduct
- For insurance purposes, every person must sign in and out on the register for each session
- Do not snorkel if you have a cold, earache or similar condition.
We make efforts to keep members informed of developments and plans. Please check the notice board and also the front desk on Sunday’s. In addition, all major notices are also sent by email. Please ensure that we have your up to date email details.
Odds and Ends
Snorkellers should bring their Qualification Record Books to every session and get it signed by your instructor each time you complete a test. If possible, keep your Log Book in a waterproof plastic bag or case.
BSAC have a snorkelling website which can be found at http://www.bsac.com/landing.asp?section=365
BSAC have a Monthly email Newsletter, BSAC Talk. Register for your copy by visiting
http://www.bsac.com/page.asp?section=1825§ionTitle=BSAC+Mailing+Lists
Rules and Regulations
We do need to make a few rules and regulations, amongst which are:
- You must agree to the clubs Code of Conduct
- For insurance purposes, every person must sign in and out on the register for each session
- Do not snorkel if you have a cold, earache or similar condition.