Novice divers turn out in strength to dive for charity

Adventure and benevolence yesterday moved hand in hand as an incredible 276 people "tried a dive for charity" and helped raise about Lm800 for Dar Nazareth, a home for people with a disability.

The money was raised during an 11-hour Try a Dive for Charity organised by ATLAM Sub Aqua Club at Qawra point between 8.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.

"This year's turnout was incredible and never seen before. People, mostly students, did not stop queuing to have their first dive," ATLAM's public relations officer, Edwin Zammit said.

He attributed this year's strong response to the 13-day promotion held at the trade fair grounds that alone yielded 150 bookings when in previous years the maximum number of bookings was 83.

He said that, at this rate, ATLAM would have to start looking for sponsors for next year's charity dive to make sure there would be enough gas cylinders to go round for all those showing an interest.

This year there were about 100 cylinders available, each with a capacity for three dives.

Mr Zammit said the public was requested to make a Lm3 donation, in aid of Dar Nazareth, to experience diving for a first time.

People interested in diving had to first undergo a medical test to ensure they were fit.

Those who passed the test were then given a brief outline of the procedure before they were passed on to one of the 12 diving instructors.

Each instructor was assisted by an experienced diver and together they were responsible for four first-time divers each time.

Once equipped with the necessary scuba gear, the six-strong diving team immersed themselves for a three-metre dive that lasted between 10 and 20 minutes.

16-year-old Kevin Glynn described his experience as "fantastic". He expressed his gratitude to the two diving instructors who allowed him to taste the diving experience despite his disability and said that he loved the silent sensation that enveloped him underwater.

Michael Mizzi, 43, who lives in Australia and was in Malta on holiday described the under-water scenery: "I was surprised to see that the seabed is, actually, reasonably clean. I saw a variety of fish, crabs and, of course, seaweed.

"The experience was fantastic and awe-inspiring. Although at first I found it hard to breathe through the mouthpiece because of the adrenaline rush, once I got used to it, it was like being one of the fish," he enthused.

Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi described his first-time diving experience as "overwhelming".

"Down there it's a completely different world, silent and overwhelming. It is the sort of place where one feels at one with nature... I did not want to come back up," he said - he might have to check on that with his party leader.

Dr Azzopardi encouraged the organisation of such activities, especially since they offered the public an adventure that could be enjoyed while helping others.