Delta 1 Rescue Diving is there for the community
These training sessions are important to keep divers fit.
SECUNDA – Delta 1 Rescue Diving is a non-profitable emergency unit.
They cover Mpumalanga which has a record for most drownings in the country.
Delta 1, together with the police’s Inland Water Wing, has about 15 members comprising of divers, K9 search and rescue members and coxwains (skippers). They do more than a hundred recoveries in a year, therefore fitness training is of utmost importance.
Owner of AquaZone Waterpark at Lake Umuzi lend their facilities to the divers for their twice weekly training sessions.
These training sessions are important to keep divers fit.
In winter there are not a lot of recoveries, but as from September, when approaching the summer and the rainy season, diving becomes a bigger challenge due to the increase in drownings and strong currents.
The training sessions are to exercise the divers’ lung capacity.
Some training entail a 300m swim under 10 minutes, 100m backstroke in five minutes and then a 25m underwater swim that has to be completed with one breathe. The more physical training sessions include body drags and swimming with weight belts.
“You need to be physically and mentally strong to perform this work,” said Mr Andries Lee, director of Delta 1 Rescue Diving
When responding to a scene the divers are equipped with wet suits, boots, regulators, fins, masks, cylinders, ropes, weights, buoys, vessels and K9 search and rescue dogs.
“Delta 1 is committed in recoveries, search and rescue and missing persons. We will not leave a scene until the recovery has been made, even if it means a week or two later.”
“I believe a diver does not get made, they are born,” said Mr Lee.
Besides the intense training sessions, divers need to be properly equipped.
Delta 1, being a non-profit organisation, depends on funding from businesses and the community.
Although they have the support from a few businesses, Delta 1 faces a huge challenge with funding and equipment.
“More expensive diving equipment is needed, namely diving cylinders, a rescue craft, personal floating devices and full face masks. A rescue craft is vital for the team to be able to access rivers and currents.”
A law is being enforced that divers must wear full face masks, because of water contamination issues. These masks can cost up to R8 000 each.
“We only have three cylinders, this is not enough. Although a cylinder can last up to five years, everything depends on the use. The cylinders need to be sent for visuals, hydro and cleaning. The cylinders only have a few years’ lifespan then it needs to be replaced. One cylinder can cost up to R6 500 each.”
“We thank our current sponsors and the public for always following us in our passion to assist the community. Without you, we will not be able to do what we love,” said Mr Lee.
If you want to donate towards Delta 1 Rescue Diving, contact Mr Jaco van der Merwe, of MP Directory, at 082 306 1470 or Mr Andies Lee at 072 335 4442.
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