The members of the Battlefords Scuba Community are enjoying a wet summer, and it's not all because of the down pour of rain. Members have been visiting lakes in the north-west region, getting acquainted with the conditions and seeing the sights. People can expect to see an increase in diving activities at the lakes now with an increasing number of certified divers.
The past couple of years, diving activity has centered at Atton's Lake because of the ban on power boats on the weekends and the easy access. However, the members have decided to venture further afield to explore new possibilities.
In early June, Mark and Noreen Barclay, Richard Young and Dennis McCullough spent an evening exploring the depths of Atton's Lake. They found plenty of golf balls, a lawn chair and a sunken power boat at the bottom of the that lake.
In mid-June, Dan O'Hanlon, Brian Jonsson, the Barclay's along with Shea Barclay and McCullough, under the watchful eye of surface supervisor Adele Perrett in kayak, explored the north end of Lake Eauclaire. Two of the divers completed their open water dives to earn their Open Water Scuba Divers certification.
In early July, Mark and Noreen Barclay and McCullough spent four days exploring Iroquois Lake and Emerald Lake. In Iroquois Lake they enjoyed visiting a Volkswagen that has graced the bottom for about 25 years. They also explored the spit off the north side of the island and made a dive from the public beach which attracted lots of attention from the youngsters. At Emerald Lake, they left the boat launch and headed for the middle of the lake, practicing their navigation skills. The treasures there included a tire and an old diving mask.
Little Loon Regional Park was the target lake in mid-July with Bruce Sayers joining the group, but water conditions were great so the group opted to visit the golf course and enjoy the sunshine. A return visit is planned for late August, as the lake looks appealing for the scuba divers.
Other trips in the planning process include Grieg Lake, Brightsand and Turtle Lake. Other divers are welcome to join in and share the fun.
The Battlefords Scuba Community is offering a weekend of diving, learning and fun this weekend at Lake Eauclaire near Chitek Lake. Over the three days, divers will be able to complete an Adventure Diver program, which includes three dives or an Advanced Diver program of five dives. All participants must be certified Open Water Scuba Divers at least before commencing the course.
Besides enjoying the water and practicing their skills, the divers are spreading the message of the dive flags asking that boaters heed the warning and help make it safer for all. The flag is a red background with a white diagonal from upper post to lower fly indicating internationally that divers below. Boats are to stay 100 feet clear and divers are to surface beside the flag.
For more information on The Battlefords Scuba Community please visit the club's website at www.battlefordsscubacommunity.ca or call Dennis at 937-7195.
