A diving club has secured three grants to help fund its operations and ensure its continued success.

Members of the Kendal and Lakes branch of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) can now look forward to increasing their membership and training thanks to the influx of money.

Nearly £20,000 has been sent to the club, including a £15,000 grant from Sport England, £3,500 from Greene King for four trainee Dry-suits, and a small grant from Cumberland BS for Instructor rash vests. 

In 2023, the group celebrated their 50th anniversary by aiming to introduce 50 new people to diving, but this has generated a further need for equipment and training facilities, which will be funded by the grants.

Gary Davis, the Diving Officer, said: "Applying for the grant application to Sport England was the brainchild of a new member, who took part in one of the free 50th anniversary try-dives early last year.

"Joining the club and completing his Ocean Diver training all within a short space of time shows the success of the BSAC training program."

Members are using the Sport England backing to update equipment and fund the cost of training facilities at Sedbergh School Pool.

The club are aiming to introduce 100 new potential divers to the sport over the next two years by holding regular free try dives.  

The eight sets of new equipment funded by the grant are all suitable for use in the colder waters of the Lake District, although they also likely to venture into warm water as well.

A typical Ocean Diver entry course consists of some theory which can be done online in your own time, around five hours of pool training followed by two days of diving in open water.

If interested in booking a Try-dive, you can email try-dives@kld.org.uk.

More information can be found on the club website at www.kld.org.uk.