New BSAC Snorkel Guide course delivered on Eigg

Marg Baldwin visits the Hebrides to teach island-based outward bound guides how to lead snorkellers the BSAC way.

In April I was privileged to go to the Isle of Eigg, part of the Small Isles group off the north west coast of Scotland, to train six island residents to be Snorkel Guides. In so doing, I was delivering the new BSAC Snorkel Guide Course. 

As snorkellers and scuba divers we know the joy, fun, and challenge of being in and under water. More people are recognising the benefits of being outside and in the water as seen in the growth of open water swimming. Now another area of aquatic activity is developing - those who wish to see what is underwater through snorkelling. They do not necessarily want to be dedicated snorkellers – well not yet! They wish to be guided – and for that to happen, qualified Snorkel Guides are needed.

Marg Baldwin

L: rescue training in progress; R: chartwork in the dry

A BSAC Snorkel Guide is qualified to lead snorkelling excursions in line with BS ISO 13289 Requirements for the Conduct of Snorkelling Excursions. A Guide is competent to:  

• Lead snorkellers of all abilities from beginner to expert. 
• Plan and manage snorkelling excursions in tidal and non-tidal conditions. 
• Manage groups from boats, on the shore or in the water. 
• Conduct snorkelling excursions within BSAC guidelines. 
• Rescue snorkellers and administer appropriate First Aid.

For successful completion of the BSAC Snorkel Guide course, a participant will have been assessed or demonstrated they already hold a suitable qualification in 22 areas. 

Marg Baldwin

Suited and booted on the beach

April on Eigg was not the warmest environment, with a water temperature of 8°C; land temperatures between 5-7°C and mainly northerly winds, albeit with occasional sunshine. The weather did not detract from the beautiful scenic surroundings and sandy beaches of Eigg, or the enthusiasm and commitment of the students.

Dry robes, ready for getting out of the water, well-fitting 5mm wet suits, hoods and gloves were the ‘dress of the day’. It helped enormously that everyone was acclimatised to the water conditions of Scotland in April. Although the water temperature did dictate careful management of the in-water time, I have to admit to wearing a drysuit for teaching and assessing rescue skills, so that I was able to stay in the water as the students came in one pair at a time.  

Marg Baldwin

Dark skies, but bright faces

As we worked through the course, I had to remind myself it was not instructor training, although there are similarities. Snorkel Guides may need to help and advise their clients to successfully use their mask, snorkel and fins, but they are not formally teaching. The focus for a Snorkel Guide is to select a safe, suitable and interesting location for an enjoyable snorkel excursion. Then lead their group all together in their buddy pairs, keeping them safe, but at the same time showing off the underwater life and any other points of interest. Having good rescue skills and knowing what to do in an emergency are also key elements. 

Marg Baldwin

L: mask check; R: Jon, ready to lead

We completed the training working from both the old and the new ferry piers. Throughout, we had good underwater visibility (5+m) although unfortunately our training commitment did not permit us time to visit the seagrass beds which are close inshore between the old pier and Eilean Chathastall (Castle Island). For their final assessments, the group were able to demonstrate their snorkel guiding skills working through different scenarios, ranging from the troublesome 10-year-old to mature people from a visiting cruise ship! This took place in sunshine from a delightful sandy beach alongside the new ferry pier. The whole group comfortably met the challenges; they were available to guide real customers from June this year.

Marg Baldwin

Eigg beach scene, in the shadow of An Sgùrr

We celebrated the success of the week with a meal and the obligatory ‘wee dram’ at the Tea Room, part of the new facilities building at An Laimhrig. These facilities include The Green Shed and in Unit 4 the Eigg Guiding Co, run by Kat and Jonathan ably assisted by Jonesy, their very friendly part Vizsla dog. Eigg Guiding offers guided walks, including a hike up the famous An Sgùrr, stand-up paddle boarding and now guided snorkel excursions. Check out eiggguiding.org and you will see proudly displayed snorkel excursions guided by BSAC qualified Snorkel Guides.

Marg Baldwin

Good Eiggs: Kat, Jon and Jonesy

Snorkel Guide training is a significant new course, which can bring our organisation to the attention of a new audience. It is important as BSAC members that we keep ourselves well informed about developments in water-based activities and in our organisation outside the normal branch structure.

Learning Curve article ‘Snorkel Guide training on Eigg’ by Marg Baldwin first published in SCUBA magazine, Issue 149 October 2024.