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Paralysed firefighter achieves dream to scuba dive again

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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

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

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Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

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Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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