EFR Class complete

15. September 2011 by MarkN.

September 3rd at the Kenosha Public Library STARS staff and students got together to complete Emergency First Response Primary (CPR and AED) and Secondary (First Aid) training.  With props, AEDs and mannequins assembled from several sources (thanks to all who helped bring gear) we used two very comfortable conference rooms at the Library.

A big change from previous years protocols was the incorporation of more emphasis on chest compressions.  Compressions are started earlier, done at a slightly faster rate and depth.  It is now also acceptable to include provisions for performing hands only CPR.

Ismael, Cedric, Stephanie, Maurice, Javier, Nicole and Phil completed the training.

Congratulations to ALL!

Mark Niewoehner

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Congratulations to all and to all a good dive!

22. July 2011 by MarkN.

‘Twas the day after Scuba training dives when all through the Lake

not a fish was stirring because of the silt

the fins were all churning through the water with care

in hopes that diving certifications soon would be there

the students were all zipped up in their 7 mill suits

while visions of triangular compass runs danced in their head

And Kevin in his hood and I with no cap

Had just prepared for a long day of compass patterns

when out on the water there arose such a splasher

I sprang to the water to see what was the matter

into my wetsuit I zipped in a flash

ran down to the water and threw up my lunch

when what to my wondering eyes should appear

but a miniature diver propulsion vehicle and eight tiny sea creatures

with a little old diver so lively and quick

I knew in a moment it must be St. Neptune

more rapid than spotted eagle rays his coursers they came

using Sea Signs he called them by name

Now Lobster, Now ray, now crab and shrimp

On Eel! On Turtle! On Fish and Shark!

to the top of the reef to the top of the deep wall dive

Swim away! swim away! swim away all!

as silt on the bottom that before the wild diver’s fin flies

when they meet with a coral head swim over and around

pulling the descent line down to the lake bottom the coursers they sunk

with a DPV full of scuba toys and St. Neptune too

And then on the bottom I heard a diver humming

the pulling and pawing of the descent line

As I drew the line back up and was turning around

down to the bottom St. Neptune came with a bound

He was dressed all in neoprene from his hood to his boots

and his exposure suit was all tarnished with algae and silt

a bundle of dive gear he slung on his back

and he looked like an independent dive shop retailer opening his pack

Behind his mask his eyes twinkled and his dimples how merry

his cheeks were like a puffer fish,  his nose like a flounder

His droll little mouth was drawn up in an exhale

and the beard of his chin was a white as a beluga

the stump of his regulator he held tight in his teeth

and his exhaust bubbles encircled his head in a bubble ring

he had good buoyancy because of his round belly

and he shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly-fish

he had good air consumption a right jolly old salt

and I puked through my regulator when I saw him in spite of myself

A purge of his regulator and a clear of his nose

soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread

He Sea Signed not a word but went straight to his skills

With dive gear he filled all the newly certified divers stockings and turned with a fin kick

holding his power inflator up above his head

kicking off the bottom to the surface he rose

he sprang to his diver propulsion vehicle and to his team gave a whistle

and away they all swam like a hungry shark for his dinner

but I saw him use Sea Signs ere he swam out of my visibility range

Happy Diving to all and to all a SAFE ascent!

Mark Niewoehner

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What happens after Open Water?

20. July 2011 by MarkN.

We moved to the North side of Pearl Lake today, after silting (and puking see yesterday’s comments) up the east side it might

be better to give that side a day or so to settle out and detox.

Kevin and I made the students drill and drill the Navigation patterns until, . . . well, . . .

until they finally got it right.

There was some frustration, the heat, the sun and the silt were unrelenting.

Zero viz navigation isn’t easy.  But the STARS Students toughed it out, almost like it was a black op.

Four dives and many, many, many, many (did I say many?) ups and downs later, they were all done.

No rest for the weary.

Wait until you see what we’ve got in store for you tomorrow!

Search and Recovery, stay tuned!

Mark Niewoehner

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Open Water Day One Complete

18. July 2011 by MarkN.

After a little concern early this morning over the weather,  we decided to chance it in spite of rain chances.  And it was a sound decision.  There was a minor rain shower before our first dive to keep things cool but after that the weather cooperated very nicely.

Today was the first opportunity at Open Water for these students and they did very well.  Everything went off on time and like clockwork.  Everyone adjusted to 12 foot of underwater visibility and accomplished skills like they had done it before.

We set up on the East side of the Lake and saw all the underwater attractions on that side.

Two dives were completed on time before lunch with tanks being filled while we ate.

And the two after lunch went just as well as the morning dives.

Day 1 Complete!  Congrats to ALL!

Mark Niewoehner

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