Blackwater Sub Aqua Club

26/05/2026

Blackwater Sub Aqua Club Supports Amber Thursday

As Ireland prepares for another busy Bank Holiday weekend, the Amber Thursday initiative is once again reminding the public to prioritise safety on the roads, near water, and in outdoor spaces.

The nationwide awareness campaign, supported by local authorities, emergency services, fire services, water safety organisations, and An Garda Síochána, aims to reduce preventable accidents during one of the busiest travel and recreation periods of the year.

For members of Blackwater Sub Aqua Club, the message around water safety is especially important as warmer weather encourages more people to head for beaches, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

The club says that while Ireland’s waterways offer incredible opportunities for recreation and exploration, they must always be approached with care, preparation, and respect.

Blackwater Sub Aqua Club has long promoted safe diving practices through training, education, and responsible enjoyment of the water. Members are encouraged to follow essential safety procedures including dive planning, checking weather and sea conditions, using the correct equipment, and always diving with a buddy.

The club also supports the wider water-safety message being promoted during Amber Thursday, including avoiding alcohol around water activities, understanding personal limits, and ensuring someone ashore knows your plans before entering the water.

Awareness and preparation are vital whenever people are enjoying open water. Whether you are diving, swimming, kayaking, or simply spending time near the coast, conditions can change quickly and safety must always come first.

Amber Thursday also highlights the importance of community responsibility during holiday weekends, when emergency services often experience increased callouts related to road traffic incidents, fires, and water-related emergencies.

Blackwater Search and Rescue Unit were delighted to be invited to participate in the Amber Thursday initiative by Cork County Council Safety Officer Caroline Casey, alongside members of An Garda Síochána and the team from Fermoy Fire Station. The initiative highlighted the importance of cooperation between emergency services, local authorities, and community organisations in promoting public safety awareness during the busy Bank Holiday period.

Blackwater Sub Aqua Club believes local clubs and community organisations have an important role to play in promoting safe habits and encouraging people to enjoy Ireland’s waterways responsibly.

As the Bank Holiday approaches, the club is encouraging everyone planning outdoor activities to take a few extra moments to think about safety, remain aware of changing conditions, and help ensure an enjoyable and safe weekend for all.

Images;
Promoting Amber Thursday were members of Blackwater SAR, Diving Ireland, Fermoy Fire Service, An Garda Síochána and Caroline Casey, Safety Officer with Cork County Council.

Members of Fermoy Fire Service with Caroline Casey, Cork County Council and Blackwater SAR member Ken Barry.

26/05/2026

20/05/2026

18/05/2026

A night beneath the waves with Nigel Motyer

Blackwater Sub Aqua Club recently welcomed a large and enthusiastic attendance to a special presentation by renowned underwater photographer and author Nigel Motyer at the clubhouse.
The evening proved to be a major success, attracting divers, marine enthusiasts, photographers, and members of the wider community, all eager to hear from one of Europe’s leading underwater photographers.
Nigel gave a detailed and fascinating insight into his diving expeditions around the world, bringing the audience along on his journeys. Through his storytelling and experience, those present were transported beneath the waves to some of the planet’s most remote and spectacular marine environments.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the stunning underwater photographs Nigel has captured throughout his career. The audience had the unique opportunity to witness the extraordinary beauty, colour, and diversity of marine life through images taken by Nigel himself. From vibrant underwater landscapes to rare and majestic sea creatures, attendees were immersed in a world of wonder and discovery, learning about species and environments that many may never have the chance to encounter firsthand.
Throughout the talk, Nigel also spoke about his lifelong passion for diving and photography, explaining how his love of the ocean developed from learning to dive as a teenager in the mid-1980s, to an internationally recognised career behind the lens. His work has appeared in major publications including National Geographic and numerous international diving magazines.
Particular interest on the night centred around his book, Beneath Irish Seas, which highlights the remarkable biodiversity and beauty that exists beneath Irish waters. Through both his photography and storytelling, Nigel emphasised the importance of protecting fragile marine ecosystems and encouraging greater appreciation for Ireland’s underwater environment.
The audience remained highly engaged throughout the evening, with many staying afterwards to chat with Nigel, ask questions, and discuss diving and photography. The combination of spectacular imagery, humour, experience, and environmental awareness made for an entertaining and informative night enjoyed by all in attendance.
Blackwater Sub Aqua Club would also like to extend sincere thanks to club member Timmy Carey for organising such a memorable and successful event.

Two-Star Snorkelling Success for Aoife
Congratulations to Blackwater Sub Aqua Club member Aoife Roche who recently successfully completed her Two Star Advanced Snorkelling Skills certification.

This advanced course is designed to provide participants with the skills and knowledge required to plan and undertake snorkelling excursions in a variety of open water environments suitable for snorkelling. The training places a strong emphasis on safe group practice, advanced finning techniques for improved control and efficiency in the water, buddy procedures, rescue skills, and environmental awareness.

Aoife’s achievement is a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and passion for snorkelling. Everyone at Blackwater Sub Aqua Club extends their congratulations and wishes her many more enjoyable adventures in the water ahead.
Well done Aoife!

Thank you Synergy Credit Union
Blackwater Sub Aqua Club would like to thank Synergy Credit Union for their recent contribution to the club.

Images;
Blackwater instructor Finbarr Murphy congratulating Aoife Roche on her recent certification (photo; Rosie)

Blackwater member Timmy Carey making a presentation to Nigel Motyer after his presentation (photo; Colm Doyle)

Blackwater Search and Rescue member Noel Hayes thanking Synergy Credit Union for their recent contribution to the unit (photo: Noel Hayes)

11/05/2026

Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit Responds to Two Call Outs
Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit responded to two separate taskings over the past week, working alongside multiple emergency service agencies in challenging and often hazardous conditions.
The first call out took place in Cahir, where the unit was tasked by An Garda Síochána to assist in the search for a missing person. The operation was coordinated internally by the unit’s Search and Recovery Officer. All available members assembled at the clubhouse, where the unit van was loaded with essential equipment and the river boat was prepared for immediate deployment.
Upon arrival at the scene, Blackwater SAR liaised with Tipperary Civil Defence and established a coordinated search plan as part of a multi-agency response involving An Garda Síochána, Tipperary Civil Defence, and Munster Lowland Search Dogs. While the operation involved several agencies working in parallel, Blackwater SAR coordinated and conducted in-water search operations. During these operations, Civil Defence supported from the riverbanks, while Munster Lowland Search Dogs remained on site throughout the duration of the search.
The unit’s dive team was deployed to conduct a detailed line search in difficult conditions, with fast-flowing water significantly increasing the complexity and risk of operations. Approximately 5km of river was covered on the first day. Following a full review of progress, the unit reconvened with partner agencies to assess the operation and plan the next phase.
Search operations resumed the following morning, with the side scan sonar team carrying out multiple scans of the river, while additional members conducted surface searches along the banks. The coordinated effort continued over a further period, with additional support arriving on scene. A recovery was subsequently made, and the search was formally stood down.
Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and the local community. The unit also acknowledges the strong cooperation and professionalism demonstrated by all agencies involved. Effective coordination, specialist training, and mutual support were central to the outcome of the operation.
Less than a week later, over the bank holiday weekend, Blackwater SAR responded to a second call out in Cappoquin. Tasked by An Garda Síochána and coordinated by SAR Officer Dave Carey, the unit worked alongside local Gardaí and fire services.
This tasking commenced late at night, with members deploying in extremely challenging conditions. On arrival, the side scan sonar team began assessing the designated search area. River conditions were unfavourable, with strong tidal currents and fast-flowing water, compounded by darkness, requiring sustained focus and careful coordination.
Operations continued late into the night and into the early hours of the morning before the unit temporarily stood down to reassess and plan the next phase. At first light, as dawn broke, the scanning team returned to the water, conducting further detailed passes before the dive team was deployed to examine identified locations.
Following determined and methodical efforts by all involved, a recovery was made, and the unit was subsequently stood down.
Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit again extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
The unit would like to thank all members who responded to both call outs, as well as those who remained on standby to assist if required. The strong turnout reflects the dedication and professionalism within the team and highlights the importance of continuous training, preparedness, and coordinated response in all aspects of search and recovery operations.

10/05/2026

A great thanks to An Garda Síochána Cork for the support and participation in today’s event.