BSAC reaches its 8,000th Open Water Instructor milestone

BSAC has qualified its 8,000th Open Water Instructor (OWI) since the instructor grade was introduced in 1995.

Eighteen-year-old Charlotte Jones, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts, has officially become the recipient of OWI number 8000 after completing her last exam earlier in the summer.

A member of Mansfield Seahorse Club, she has now boosted her club’s Open Water Instructor numbers to three, meaning the club can train even more new divers.

Charlotte, who learnt to dive at the age of 12 and has been a regular UK diver since she started, is thrilled to become BSAC’s 8000th OWI.

She said: “It’s a nice easy number to remember when signing logbooks! It really means a lot to be able to share a sport I love with new people. For my club it also means they have another instructor who can regularly get in the water and help people progress to their next qualification. Being an instructor is such a rewarding experience and I would definitely encourage more people to go for it!”

For anyone considering becoming a BSAC instructor, the first step is the two-day Instructor Foundation Course (IFC). BSAC Sports Divers and above can complete the IFC to become an Assistant Dive Instructor, which means you can assist in branch with try dives and pool training. Dive Leaders and above can then go on to complete the full Open Water Instructor course.

Would you like to instruct?

The BSAC instructor training season 2015/2016 is now up and running, with courses from the IFC and above scheduled around the country. For more information on the BSAC Instructor Training Scheme and to find a relevant course near you go to www.bsac.com/instructorinfo.

Not yet a Dive Leader? Ask your club’s Training Officer about progressing your diver grade or contact your regional coach – www.bsac.com/regionalsupport.