The SAA in conjunction with the National Governing Body has been monitoring information being circulated concerning how the impact of COVID-19 will affect a return to diving following lockdown.
The current evidence base in any of the reports published is acknowledged by the medical profession, including the authors, to be very limited.
The SAA and other UK organisations are advised on medical matters by the UK Diving Medical Committee (UK DMC). The UK DMC together with the British Hyperbaric Association (BHA) are currently monitoring all the available and continually developing evidence associated with COVID-19 and are committed to formulating and promoting relevant advice for continued diver safety.
In the current situation of the worldwide impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, recreational diving is not possible and whilst planning is underway for advice on how to return to and manage a safe resumption of activity once restrictions begin to ease, we remain reliant on the advice of medical experts and key researchers who are working to understand the condition and any potential long term effects.
The SAA will continue to support the work of the UK DMC and BHA and as soon as any advice becomes available will communicate it using all available channels.
We would like to take this opportunity to applaud the selfless dedication and commitment of all involved in NHS and other key workers, plus all the related fields of medicine and research worldwide working together to defeat the pandemic.
We would also like to thank all our members for the support they have given not only to the SAA, but also to their club members.
In the meantime, please follow the government advice, stay safe and look after each other.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at Email: admin@saa.org.uk should you have any queries, or require any further information regarding any of the above.
Steve Orange
SAA National Diving Officer
