Serious Fun ! RNLI DVD

Just taken a look at the latest RNLI safety DVD "Serious Fun" , it's well made and jsut as you would expect from the RNLI - it's free!

The DVD has sections on a variety of watersports , including diving. The section on diving includes pictures of 'Swanage Diver' and includes an interview with PADI Course Director Steve Axell who is also a RNLI crew member.

There is always room to take a fresh look at safety and we should all make time to do so regardless of how much diving experience we have. The RNLI is entirely funded by public donations and readily (and too frequently) come to the aid of divers in emergency situations. With this in mind it is sad to recall that some of the most experienced divers I have met have held the attitude that the RNLI is too well funded! An odd view to be sure but may be they have become a little wiser with time! I became an RNLI member when I took up diving and have been a member every year since then.

I would recommend having a look at the DVD, you can find out more about it on :-

www.rnli.org.uk/seriousfun

Perhaps will find a short slot to show the diving section at a MD meeting on our return from the Red Sea. I hope this little 'promotional' piece helps raise awareness, there are many examples of how the MD blog has slowly , but surely improved the divers 'lot' , so again, let's not forget those who help us!

BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic Course ~ 21st March

We are holding a Marine Mammal Medic Course at Bewl Water Reservoir on Saturday 21st March 2009. Please find attached a Course Information Pack. If you know anyone who might be interested in attending please pass this on to them and tell them they can book on-line at www.bdmlr.org.uk and then click on the training page for more information.

As usual there will be a limited number of refresher places available free of charge on this course for paid up medics to re-learn their skills and meet up with other medics and get more involved. If you would like to take part in this course as a refresher please phone BDMLR head office on 01825-765546 and ask to book on - your subscription to BDMLR must be up-to-date in order to be a "refresher". If you are interested in learning how to teach the practicals or give the lectures please let us know as we are always interested in teaching this to new people and getting more people involved in running these courses both here and elsewhere in the country.

Many Thanks.

Trevor Weeks National Co-ordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Reg Charity 803438
www.bdmlr.org.uk

Extreme Underwater Ironing

Anyone up for some household chores?
I'm thinking about going.

http://www.ndac.co.uk/extremeironing/

"On the 10th January 2009 the National Diving & Activity Centre and Yorkshire Divers will be hosting a Guinness World Record Extreme Ironing Event. You are invited to take part in this event and raise money For the RNLI; a charity providing 24-hour lifesaving service around the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The sport that is 'extreme ironing' is an outdoor activity that combines the danger and excitement of an 'extreme' sport with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt. It involves taking an iron and board to remote locations and ironing a few items of laundry. Our Guinness World Record attempt will be for the most number of divers underwater ironing at the same time.

The present record is currently held at 72 by an Australian group - we think that you can do better than that, so here is your opportunity to join in!"

Seaford Seal ~ BDMLR Message

Hi all,

A seal has been spotted hauling out on the beach at Seaford, East Sussex. If anyone is in the area can they keep an eye out for it and check what condition it is in please. Obviously it may move about and be found at nearby beaches too. There is probably nothing wrong with it but it would be nice to check and confirm that it is ok.

Please keep Sharon Gisby Sussex & Surrey Co-ordinator and ourselves at BDMLR HQ informed of anything you see.

Trevor Weeks
National Co-ordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue Reg Charity 803438
www.bdmlr.org.uk

Sponsoring Kate to Run!

I'm taking part in the 5k 'Race for Life' to raise money for Cancer Research UK and would really welcome your support. Please take a moment to sponsor me. It's really easy - you can donate online by credit or debit card at the following address:

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/katecalamatta

All donations are secure and sent electronically to Cancer Research UK. If you are a UK taxpayer, Cancer Research's partner Justgiving will automatically reclaim 28% Gift Aid on your donation at no cost to you - making it worth even more. Please join me in supporting Race for Life and a fabulous cause!

Thanks and best wishes,
Katexx