The ESDC Big Buddy Program
Meeting and getting to know people is a daunting
experience for most folks, even for us tough northwest divers who brave cold
water, low viz, and wicked current. The Emerald Sea Dive Club established the Big Buddy program as a way
to break the ice and welcome new members into our club. (Okay, there’s no ice, but you have to admit the water’s pretty
cold.) It is also our way of
introducing new members to the fun of diving Puget Sound.
What are Big and Little Buddies?
The opportunity to be a Little Buddy is a benefit of
joining the ESDC. Big Buddies
are volunteer divers pulled from the ranks who are interested in getting to
know new members by committing to be a new member’s buddy on three dives. Knowing their limits, together the Big Buddy & Little Buddy plan each
dive, practice buddy checks before entering the water, and practice safe
diving throughout all the dives. They plan the dive and dive the plan.
What are the Big Buddy program
goals?
We hope that after completing the three dives with
their Big Buddy, Little Buddies will feel comfortable attending dive club
events, confident enough to host club dives, and welcome to submit articles
to the newsletter or share their dive experiences during club meetings. We want Little Buddies to become active members and join us for fun,
friendship, and safe diving.
E-mail our Big Buddy Coordinator if either role sounds interesting to you!
Being a good buddy means that you:
·
Communicate effectively and don’t be afraid
to ask for what you want
·
Know your limits and respect your buddy’s
limits
·
Do buddy checks every time before entering
the water
·
Watch your air
·
Stay close enough together throughout the
dive to get or offer assistance
·
Follow safe diving practices and expect your
buddy to do the same
