What to do if your buddy gets into difficulty...
Underwater
Wherever possible, help them to the surface.
On the surface
Raise the alarm by blowing a whistle, shouting and waving.
At the water's edge
If you see someone in trouble, raise the alarm immediately. While someone else alerts staff in the shop, stay where you are, monitoring the position of those in the water.
Rescue Plan
- During diving hours, the rescue boat is stationed at the rescue jetty, ready for immediate use. The boat contains a shot line to mark the start of the search for a lost diver. Three members of staff will board the boat: the boat handler, a lead first- aider/oxygen provider and an observer/first aider.
- Oxygen resuscitation equipment is placed at strategic points around Stoney Cove, ready for staff to collect en route to the rescue boat.
- Other staff will immediately move to their designated rescue positions, for example, waiting on the rescue jetty with additional oxygen, defibrillator and a stretcher. They are ready to call the emergency services whenever necessary.
- Substantial oxygen supplies are kept on site at all times for use in the resuscitation sets and the recompression chamber.
- Our recompression chamber is maintained ready for use according to an approved code of practice. If at any time our chamber becomes unavailable, alternative arrangements are put in place.
- If a diver is missing, Stoney Cove staff will organ ise and manage a search. They may ask for volunteer divers, who will be asked about their level of competence and their ability to take part in the search without endangering themselves.
- All accidents at Stoney Cove are recorded and full reports given to the appropriate associations and authorities e.g. BS-AC, PADI, HSE.
- The Stoney Cove rescue team is not part of the emergency services. However, they will respond and assist to the best of their competence and ability.
|