Underwater Safety Night

Dear All,

I understand that this is primarily a Scuba Forum but am posting this in relation to an important topic.

You may have heard of the unfortunate spearfisherman who perished off Long Reef a couple of weeks ago. Brian Lam failed to return from his dive and his body was found the next day with no visible injuries.

Despite safety being a topic always taught in spearfishing and freediving clubs, we believe that it is time to export some of this knowledge to the wider community.

Knowledge of shallow water blackout, sambas (loss of motor control) and not hyperventilating seems common sense amongst club affiliated divers but a large degree of underwater user groups have no such information.

For this reason we are holding an Safety Education night for not only divers but all ocean user groups. This includes surfers, rock fisherman, scuba divers and concerned parents.

We will be covering the basics of shallow water blackout, sambas, rescue procedures and the basics of being a dive partner. We want to get all people better educated and therefore reduce the risk of further tragedies occurring.

The purpose is to impart a basic knowledge of breath hold diving safety and foster a new and smarter approach to this subject. Spearfishing and freediving risks can be easily mitigated through correct procedures and we want to show the public that it is not the dangerous sport many think it to be.

A few words will be spoken by Brian Lam's friends and dive buddies, including those that discovered his body. It is their wish that something positive should come out of the tragedy of someone losing their life at sea. It is important closure for them to see that someone who loved the sea so much can give something back to the community through lessons.

You are welcome to attend and are asked to spread the word about this event to all those who may be interested.

If you know anyone who doubts that spearfishing can be a safe sport, a parent hassling their child not to spearfish or someone who just wants to know more then please let them know.

When: Tuesday Sept 1st 7:00pm

Where: Harbord Diggers Club, Evans St. Harbord, Kahanamoku Room

Sydney.

Admission is Free

There will be several prize giveaways on the night.

Even if you believe you are a knowledgeable diver we implore you attend. You never know what you may learn and your support and presence will go a long way to promoting our sport, as the event is receiving media coverage. It is our responsibility as divers to show our sport in a good, safe and practical terms in light of recent events.

This Safety Education Night is sponsored by North Shore Underwater Club, Sydney Freedivers and Fathom Dive. If you would like to sponsor the event and supply items for prizes please don't hesitate to contact me.

Chi Lo, Vice President NSUC. 0401693518.

Even if you have negative views on spearfishing I encourage you to attend, as the night will be focused purely on safety.

As underwater user groups we all have a great appreciation for the sea and its many wonders.

Anyone with connections to small ethnic groups who may benefit, please let them know. Brian's dive club will be there and we are organising a few translators if you can inform us ahead of time that a group is attending.

Contributed by ChiL added 2009-08-22