Another diver advances...

Mario is entitled to look pleased with life. He completed his Advanced Open Water certification today with a Search and Recovery adventure at the KPH site. Conditions couldn't really have been better. The Sun was shining brightly, air temperatures were above freezing (but not much at 4℃) and the visibility was outstanding at roughly 50 feet. The exertions of executing search patterns and other tasks ensured that the water, cool at 51℉ (11℃), didn't have too chilling an effect. All in all, a very successful final qualification dive and a pleasant experience for all concerned. Well done, Mario....

Second Kayak raised for Gan Canoe Club...

Following up on Monday's first successful trip to Gananoque to find and recover sunken kayaks, today's expedition continued the movement. It took just 20 minutes of focused search to discover the second missing kayak in 32 feet of water. It was then an easy exercise to lift it and take it to shore. The picture shows one of the Canoe Club staff inspecting and commencing the clean-up of the craft.

Lost and Found ...

Today was, finally, good deed day. I had promised the Canoe Club in Gananoque some time ago that I would get across and see if I could locate and raise a kayak that they had lost earlier in the year. Well, today was the day. It was a fascinating exercise. Those of you who have done Search and Recovery will understand the need to define a clear aim, identify an appropriate search pattern and execute it faithfully.

Well, the good news is that, having done all that, Dianne and I spent 70 minutes in the water - and found and raised the two-man kayak concerned. It's a great feeling when it all works out. That keeps up our 100% record of recoveries on request.

For those who are interested, the Gan River gets down to 36 feet in the middle of the stretch by the Canoe Club and viz was a very reasonable 15 to 20 feet. Water temperature 70F (21C). The bottom is largely weed free, though there are occasional deadheads and other timber debris to watch out for. It's typical river mud most of the way, but a hard, granite shelf is present on the West side.

More Advanced Divers...

Congratulations to Theresa and Neil, who completed their AOW this evening with a Search and Recovery Adventure. Their achievement is evidence of great determination; they were Open Water students with the Club in June and they have been piling on the dives ever since they qualified. Their enthusiasm for diving is very typical of our members and does us all great credit. Let's all keep working to maintain the high standards for which our divers are known.