Snorkelling with Elective Geography

Students in Yr 10 Elective Geography have been studying Oceanography. In this course they have been learning about marine ecosystems, the thermohaline circulation, ocean sovereignty as well as the basics of diving.

The students were able to apply that knowledge of diving by snorkelling at the Bronte-Clovelly Aquatic Reserve. Chris, an instructor from ABYSS Diving, took our student divers through the rules of safe diving, but more importantly, he focused on the physics and physiology behind those rules.

Students were taught:
●      An understanding of buoyancy concepts
●      Knowledge of the dangers of separation from the group, hyperventilation, hypothermia, pressure/depth relationship of ears, sinuses, mask and lungs, and how to equalise pressure in ears and mask air space
●      Clearing a flooded snorkel and mask
●      Surface diving techniques, including equalising ears when descending
●      Entry and exit methods
●      Rescue techniques
●      Correct finning technique
●      Hand signals (OK and not OK)
●      Appropriate safety practices such as the buddy system

It was a blue sky day. The air temperature was 27 degrees and water temperature 24 degrees. While cooking their BBQ lunch, the students discussed the many marine animals they had encountered such as stingrays, drummer, luderick, goatfish and the blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) which has an iconic status within the eastern suburbs community.
Chris left reminding the students they were future ambassadors for the ocean and to “take three for the sea” in reference to taking out any plastics they see.