David Rutley takes the plunge

Local MP, David Rutley, plunged in at the deep end during a recent ‘Try Dive’ taster session with East Cheshire Sub-Aqua Club (ECSAC).

The ‘Try-Dive’ took place at Macclesfield Leisure Centre and was part of ECSAC’s regular active programme of events. ECSAC is a not for profit organisation based in Macclesfield, which has been an active part of the community for more than fifty years. The Club offers participants of all ages experience of water activities, requiring specialist equipment and qualified tuition, which are taught in a friendly and experienced environment.

The Club and its active members make a significant contribution to the community. ECSAC enjoys strong links with organisations such as local Scout groups and Sea Search Marine Conservation. The Club is also keen to promote environmental awareness, through lectures and presentation evenings on subjects such as marine archaeology and marine life preservation. In addition to offering diving memberships, ECSAC also provides social memberships, so that anyone can feel an active member of the group, even if they prefer to stay on dry land.

As well as holding popular weekly diving sessions at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, ECSAC is keen to give participants as much experience of open water diving as possible, by making regular trips to outdoor diving locations nationwide.  This summer has seen the club travel to locations as varied as Anglesey, Plymouth and Mull, in addition to visiting the Nemo33 deep indoor diving facility near Brussels.

The club is in the process of having a grant application considered by Sport England, which would provide much needed new engines for the Club’s boat. The current engines, which have served the Club well, are ageing and David has written to Sport England to add his support to the application.

Speaking after the dive, David said, “Taking part in the ‘Try Dive’ was great fun and I hope that many more people have the chance to take part in future sessions. I was very pleased to be able to support the important grant application and wish the Club continued success for the future.”