About UsEstabished in the 1980's Lough Derg Sub-Aqua Club has grown in size almost every year. From just a few enthusiasts with their own equipment, the club now boasts 35 members, a boat, two compressors, and a large selection of safety equipment.
LDSAC is one of many independent Irish diving clubs who are part of the umbrella body Comhairle Fo-Thuinn - C.F.T. (the Irish Underwater Council - I.U.C.). The Irish Underwater Council regulates all aspects of diving in Ireland and represents Ireland at C.M.A.S. (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques). C.M.A.S. is an international organisation that was founded by 15 member countries in 1959 and chaired by Sir J.Y. Cousteau to promote SCUBA diving and other underwater sports. C.M.A.S. scuba diving courses are presented by more than 184 worldwide members in over 100 countries on 5 continents (101 Federations and 83 Diving organisations/Associations). C.M.A.S. certification is recognised worldwide.
Ireland, being an island, is very well suited to the sport of SCUBA diving. We are on the edge of Europe and our waters are warmed by the gulf stream. The Irish coastline is varied and rugged and offers many excellent dive sites. Due to the small size of the country most places are accessable within a few hours drive. This gives snorkellers and divers plenty of opportunities to go snorkelling or diving anywhere in the country for a day or a week at relatively short notice. Being an inland club we in Lough Derg Sub Aqua Club have to travel to reach the sea but this is no deterrent. In the past LDSAC has gone on tour to lots of areas around the country and abroad. We dive in Kilkee, Co. Clare regularly and have also traveled to counties Cork, Mayo, Kerry, Waterford and Cork.
The club is based in the town of Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Ireland and meet on a weekly basis. Diving in Ireland is seasonal. We begin around March and finish around October each year. Some people dive all year round but weather conditions are not always favourable for this. From September to Easter, the main focus of the club is to train new members. This consists of pool sessions (both in Nenagh and in Templemore), lectures and in the spring snorkelling in the Shannon. At these training sessions we teach new people to the club the skills needed to dive safely. Experienced divers in the club use this pool time to keep up fitness levels.
All members of the club think safety at all times. No matter what your grade or experience level, safety is our primary concern. Each and every member of the club is responsible for their own safety and the safety of every other member of the club. Thankfully the club has an excellent safety record and we regularly participate in safety training. Emergency procedures are always in place at each and every dive location. The boat has many safety features such as VHF radio, emergency oxygen, medical kits, flares and warm blankets aboard. We always carry a supply of fresh water and all passengers must wear buoyancy aids.
The Club has a committee who are democratically elected each year at the club AGM. This committee is charged with taking care of theweek to week runnings of the club, arranging club outings, training and finances.
The club has a broad membership both male and female.
The club also has an active snorkelling element. This is particularly active in the spring time as divers and trainees make an effort to improve fitness. We snorkel in Lough Derg, one of Irelands largest inland lakes which we are lucky to have nearby. Youghal Quay is a favourite spot for the snorkellers. Also, snorkelling is encouraged on dive weekends away as it offers a relaxing way to view shallow coves and pools that might otherwise go unexplored.