Advanced Instructor Nick Sims has been confirmed as the new Regional Coach for the South East region.
Nick's introduction to diving and snorkelling was relatively recent, having decided to learn to dive in 2018 with his wife Amanda following a snorkel experience with whale sharks in Mexico. Their subsequent introduction to diving as an Ocean Diver involved near-zero temperatures at Wraysbury and drysuit nightmares. The thought of giving up was touted but with some encouragement they decided to push on.
Nick said:
I found how much I loved diving and powered through my Sports and Dive Leader in quick succession building up lots of dives and experience as I went along, before moving on to Advanced Diver and Open Water Instructor in 2022. Following this I joined the regional team to advance my instructor skills and undertook Advanced Instructor in 2023, after which I spent most of 2024 preparing for First Class Diver.
He played an active role in successful club Kingston and Elmbridge SAC (BSAC 17) as Training Officer for two years followed by three years as Diving Officer - a position "....I am still honoured to hold at such a wonderful dive club."
Nick believes in the power of volunteering:
All my diving achievements have be down to other people selflessly giving up their time to impart their skills and knowledge to me which has made me want to do the same for others.
For the future, Nick plans to build a team of talented and committed instructors that will help grow the clubs in the South East by bringing on new instructors to join the regional team; in turn this will help BSAC achieve its future goals in giving members all they need to fully enjoy their diving in a safe environment.
Julia Branagan, BSAC Diving and Training Advisor welcomed Nick to the Regional Coaching team:
I'm pleased to announced the appointment of Nick as Regional Coach for the South East. His experiences as a Branch Officer in one of BSAC's most successful clubs will be invaluable for other members and clubs in the region who will now benefit from his knowledge, expertise and passion for scuba diving and snorkelling.
For more information on the Regional Coaching Scheme in your area or to contact your Regional Coach, go to bsac.com/coaching.
Join the BSAC community
The BSAC network is working together to keep people connected to the sport. With online training, special interest webinars, competitions, support to clubs and the trade, and much more...we'd love you to join us.
