News
Paralysed firefighter achieves dream to scuba dive again
A fireman has beaten the odds by getting back underwater and diving with his BSAC club less than a year after the cycling accident that very nearly killed him.
Peter Lau from Baildon near Bradford has been a passionate scuba diver and BSAC member for 25 years, but a mountain bike accident in April 2014 left him paralysed from the chest down and dreaming of the day he could dive again.
Throughout repeated surgeries on his complex spinal injuries and intensive rehabilitation programmes, the thought of getting back in the water has kept Peter focussed and positive.
So when he took the plunge for the first time last week, with club members from the BSAC branch West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Sub Aqua Section, it is no wonder the 49-year-old Assistant District Commander for West Yorkshire’s Fire and Rescue Service was feeling proud and elated.
Peter said: “It was absolutely amazing. Just fantastic. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about for 11 months and I vowed I would be back in the water within the year and I have achieved that which is brilliant.
“Just being there with all my mates from the diving club and my wife Debbie was diving with me to hold my hand – it was quite emotional.
“We floated around for a bit and then went down under the water nice and slowly with complete control and it was like coming home.”
Peter’s accident happened on a weekend away in Wensleydale when his mountain bike collided with a car. His back took most of the impact of the crash while his rucksack dragged him further under the wheel.
He broke 11 ribs, punctured both lungs, fractured his scapula and suffered massive spinal damage. Emergency medics had to induce a coma to protect his lungs and Peter, a father of two grown-up children, remained in that state for almost a month before beginning the long road to recovery.
He spent many months at Pinderfield Spinal Rehabilitation Centre, and during his time there his passion for watersports led him to launch a snorkelling club in the hydrotherapy pool while he waited for doctors to give him the all clear to start diving once more.
Peter promised himself he would be back scuba diving within 12 months of the accident, and Wednesday’s 30 minute dive was enough to help him achieve his goal and reignite his love for the sport, although his dream was nearly shattered at the last minute.
He said: “After all the planning, when we arrived at the John Charles Centre in Leeds, the shallow pool was being used for something else so it almost didn’t happen.
“They only other option was to use the five metre diving pool but I’m a qualified dive instructor so five metres was no issue for me – but I suppose it was literally in at the deep end.”
After half an hour diving with friends from his BSAC group Peter emerged to a hero’s poolside welcome and with a renewed determination to continue diving.
Mary Tetley, BSAC Chief Executive, said: “What an inspiration Peter is and he embodies the passion which our scuba divers feel for the sport.
“I am so pleased to hear his news that he is finally back in the water enjoying himself and I am thoroughly proud of his fellow BSAC members for helping him achieve this.
“We look forward to hearing more about Peter’s further scuba diving adventures and wish him many congratulations and best wishes.”
Peter added: “A year ago this week I was diving in the Red Sea with a pod of 45 dolphins and I thought that was a pretty good way to end my diving career.
“I spent a lot of time lying in a hospital bed think that part of my life was over. But there are plenty of people out there who already do paraplegic diving and they’ve already done the hard work.
“Once we did the research and found the John Charles Centre, we visited and I was gobsmacked by the facilities there. Once I’ve had a few more sessions and worked my buoyancy out I’ll be sorting out a dry suit and trying a quarry and after that, who knows?
“It’s the first step in continuing the sport and it has totally reignited my passion for it. The thing to remember is that you can suffer a terrible event like mine but it is not something life-ending, just life-changing, and you just have to find different ways to make things happen.
“That is easier when you have the support of a group like BSAC because the people involved tend to be practical people. We’re a club and we help each other out and they can generally make things happen.”
Peter has a fundraising link for renovations to the specially adapted house he needs. For more information, click here.
Source: www.bsac.com
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
-
News1 month agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs3 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News2 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News2 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News2 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
News3 months agoComing Soon – 52 Assignments
-
News3 months agoSave £200 per person per week at Pole Pole Lodge with Dive Worldwide