Students make a splash snorkelling with COAST

Pupils from Arran High School were given a taste of the sea when the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) kicked off their summer snorkelling season earlier this month.

 

Six lucky students participated in a snorkel taster session run by COAST volunteers and qualified BSAC snorkel instructors, Brian and Amanda Grindall.

 

The session, which was organised by COAST and North Ayrshire Active Schools, involved students learning about safe snorkelling techniques, building confidence in the water as well as an insight into some of the amazing marine life to look out for.

 

For most of the students it was the first time they’d ever been underwater. Understandably there were some nerves to begin with – kitting up into wetsuits in the blazing sun, getting their heads around the new equipment and facing some jellyfish fears. After a safety briefing and some practice breathing through the snorkel, the students headed down to the shore and got straight in. Hand in hand, the buddy pairs helped each other and submerged

 

45 minutes later and a troupe of sodden, beaming faces emerged, buzzing with energy and excitement. Having spotted crabs, fishes and seaweeds, the group warmed up with tea and biscuits swapping stories and their new skills.

 

Sophie Plant, education and ommunications Manager at COAST, said “It was fantastic to get Arran High School students in the water for the first time and help them build their confidence. These sorts of sessions really show the value in getting students out of the classroom and engaged with the natural environment right on their doorstep. We hope to equip young people with the skills and confidence to be able to go and enjoy these activities themselves on the Arran Snorkel Trail."

 

Ross Dobson, Active Schools xo-ordinator, said “A massive thank you to Sophie from COAST for helping to organise the trip, as well as instructors Brian and Amanda for giving up their time to provide this amazing opportunity for the group of young people from Arran High School. Some words that were used by the pupils walking back to school – ‘inspiring’ ‘soulful’ ‘exciting’.”

 

The organisers hope to continue their partnership to offer these sessions to more young people across the island. COAST will also be running snorkel taster sessions for the public throughout the summer for people of all ages to have a go at snorkelling. Booking is available online at bit.ly/snorkel-tasters.

 

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The youngsters receive a safety briefing from Brian Grindall. NO_B26snorkel01_23_arran_high

 

The participants proudly show off their course completion certificates. NO_B26snorkel02_23_course_certificates

 

The youngsters prepare to take to the water for the first time. NO_B26snorkel03_23_water_prepare

 

The participants get advice on their snorkel and flippers. NO_B26snorkel04_23_flippers_advice

 

One of the snorkel crew gives the thumbs up. NO_B26snorkel05_23_thumbs_up

 

Two of the youngsters buddy up for their first dive. NO_B26snorkel06_23_buddy_dive

 

One of the participants has some training on how to use a snorkel. NO_B26snorkel07_23_snorkel_training