Sub-aqua clubtakes plunge in special stunt

Sixteen women who got into scuba diving thanks to Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign, are to take part in a challenge to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Bradford Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC).

The Queensbury-based club’s ambitious anniversary challenge later this year will see club members undertake 60 dives
in 60 locations, in aid of the Royal Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

The national This Girl Can campaign aims to encourage more girls and women into sport by promoting the benefits of keeping active.

One of the youngest to join the club last year was 13-year-old Jessica Westbury, from Wibsey.

“My mum and I have wanted to learn to dive for a long time after seeing it on TV,” said the Dixons McMillan Academy pupil.

“It’s great to start early and I really want to carry on and gain higher qualifications. I’m working towards my Sports Diver and I really hope to be able to take part in some of the anniversary dives later this year.

“This Girl Can is an incredibly important campaign. Girls are often put off by sport and feel self-conscious and it’s really important they’re encouraged and understand that nothing is impossible.”

The club’s chief executive Mary Tetley said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for BSAC to be celebrating 60 years in the district and so wonderful that the club’s female membership has doubled locally thanks to the This Girl Can campaign.

“Becoming a member of a BSAC club is a wonderful way to learn how to scuba dive in the UK, and we hope lots more women will follow suit and get involved.”

For more information about Bradford Sub-Aqua Club,
visit www.bradfordsubaqua.co.uk.

Picture by Roger Moody.