The SAA is a member of the BDSG working group, tasked to review how the government changes regarding COVID -19 affects the UK diving community.
On Friday 15th May 2020 the British Diving Safety Group COVID-19 team met to discuss the ongoing situation. At present this BDSG working group is convening on a weekly basis, in order to actively monitor and track the changes.
Every member of the team is an ardent scuba diver, hence they understand and share your keen desire to resume exploring our amazing British and Irish waters as soon as possible.
A spokesman for the BDSG stated:
“Even though the sun is shining, and we have got good visibility around our coasts, it is not the time to resume diving…yet. Please continue to adhere to your national guidelines.
In Scotland and Wales, you are expected to ‘stay at home’, in Ireland you can ‘travel no more that 5Km’ and in England you can ‘only travel in a household group or meet one other person whilst maintain a 2m distance’. This makes diving virtually impossible.
We are actively working towards being able to endorse recreational and technical diving activities, as well as being mindful we must protect those who work in and serve our sport. We believe that when we are able to advocate diving, that shore diving will be the first area to open up, because it naturally lends itself to social distancing above the surface.
In the meantime, please stay alert, and as close to your home as you are able to. As soon as we are able to endorse British and Irish diving activities, we will.”
