BEDSAC undertakes diving related projects to assist the wider Community. For more than a decade, the Club has organised and carried out the underwater part of the annual Bedford River Clearance which removes rubbish and other obstructions from the River Great Ouse which runs through the centre of Bedford. The range of rubbish removed is extensive, from shopping trolleys, bikes, road signs, computer printers as well as natural hazards such as tree branches, all of which can be dangerous for the many rivers users.
Other activities which BEDSAC have done recently include recovering stone balustrades which has been knocked into the River Great Ouse on Bedford Embankment, removing obstructions from a local fishing lake and surveying another fishing lake to assess fish stocks after the 2018 hot summer. BEDSAC do not make a charge for these activities but do request that the beneficiaries of our projects make a donation to the RNLI.
Bedsac are currently involved in removing trees from a fishing lake belonging to Ampthill Angling Club which are causing significant problems for the fishermen. The trees are still rooted into the bed of the lake and have to be sawn off and lifted to the surface.
We have also done presentations to several local schools on the marine environment and taken Scuba equipment in for them to have a look at and even try breathing from.
BEDSAC also hosted a whole Scout troop for try-dive sessions over the course of several weeks. Great fun for them and counted towards their water activities badge.