Donegal divers take part in search and recovery exercise at St John’s Point

Divers from clubs across Donegal have taken part in a joint search and recovery (SAR) training exercise at St John’s Point.Members of the Inishowen Sub-Aqua Club, Donegal Bay Sub-Aqua Club and the Rosses Snorkellers were joined by Dungannon SAR Divers for the exercise.

The large group of experienced divers conducted three in-water training drills under the leadership of Sandra O'Donnell from the host club, Donegal Bay SAC. These drills were a swim-line, a circular swim search, and a grid pattern search.

The expertise and discipline of the divers were evident in the ability of everyone to work as a unit, even though we all come from different clubs. These training days are essential to allow recreational divers to provide in-water SAR, should we be called upon by civil authorities. In the afternoon, all four dive clubs conducted a second dive - which effectively became a mini-dive rally.

The divers reported water temperatures of 12 degrees Celsius and in-water visibility of around 5m horizontally, with max depth of 25 m and dive times of nearly 50 mins.As always, we thank those who hosted, led, and supported the SAR training and second dive.

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The exercises involved a swim-line search, a circular swim search and a grid-pattern search.

The training highlighted the importance of teamwork, communication and discipline, with divers from different clubs working together to carry out the exercises.

Regular training sessions are essential in preparing recreational divers to assist with in-water search and recovery operations if called upon by the civil authorities.In the afternoon, members of all four groups took part in a second dive, which developed into an informal dive rally.

Divers reported a water temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, horizontal underwater visibility of approximately five metres and a maximum depth of 25 metres. Dive times were close to 50 minutes.The participating groups thanked everyone who helped organise, lead and support the training exercise and afternoon dive.

The four participating groups were Inishowen Sub-Aqua Club, Donegal Bay Sub-Aqua Club, Dungannon SAR Divers and the Rosses Snorkellers. Donegal Bay Sub-Aqua Club hosted the training, led by Sandra O’Donnell.