CONDITIONS OF ENTRANCE

The following conditions have been introduced due to the nature of our location.  Wraysbury Dive Centre is part of a nature reserve and as such we all have a responsibility to ensure that our centre is preserved for all to enjoy.  Your understanding is appreciated.  We would also like to remind you that during our opening hours this is a place of work, therefore, everybody that enters this site must consider themselves in an ‘at work’ situation and therefore governed by Health & Safety Diving at Work Regulations 1997.

  • All visitors must report to the main building and those entering the water must sign in on the form provided in the main building before commencing activities.
  • All divers must dive within the safe diving practices of the diving association qualification they hold or are training for.
  • A map of the lake, with bearings is on display on the main building noticeboard for all.
  • Carry out your diving activity with as little disturbance to visibility as possible for the safety of other divers.  Some areas of the lake bed are covered in a heavy deposit of silt.  Disturbing the silt will impair your visibility and you and others may become lost or disorientated.  To avoid this, swim at least a metre above the bottom.
  • All exercises, skills and scenarios must be performed on platorms provided but do not go underneath them.
  • All rescue courses or practice must be reported to a member of Wraysbury Staff in the main building before commencement and carried out where instructed to do so.
  • No solo diving unless qualified AND with the express permission of Wraysbury Dive Centre.
  • All rebreather divers must make themselves known to a member of Wraysbury staff before commencing their dive.  Strictly no solo diving on rebreathers.
  • No standing in the shallow areas of the lake
  • All entrances and exits to the lake must be kept clear from kit and personal belongings at all times in case of emergency.
  • No guidelines, ropes or SMB lines are to be laid unless permission has been given by Wraysbury Dive Centre.
  • No DPV's are to be used without the express permission of Wraysbury Dive Centre and never at weekends.
  • Do not damage or remove pieces of the objects in the water or cause harm to the wildlife and divers above or below water.
  • Do not enter or go under any objects of interest underwater.  There may be a risk of entanglement, entrapment or sharp edges.  Keep a safe distance at all times.
  • No children permitted under the age of 15 who are not diving.
  • All incidents and emergencies must be reported to the main building immediately.
  • Wraysbury Dive Centre does not have a professional rescue team but will effect a rescue to the best of their abilities.  
WARNING: Scuba diving can be dangerous.  Incidents can occur, sometimes with fatal consequences.  All divers have the responsibility for their own safety.  Instructors, dive guides and buddies have a duty of care for those who are diving with them.  Divers are reminded that they have the responsibility for the first actions to effect a successful rescue.

  • Please arrive and leave in a quiet manner.
  • Whilst on site please drive very slowly, park as directed by staff and do not move your vehicle other than to leave site.  Engines are to be switched off at all times.
  • Do not run, shout, wave or blow whistles (unless there is an emergency).
  • Keep the volume of car radios down low.
  • No swimming unless with the express permission of Wraysbury Dive Centre.
  • The compressor room is strictly out of bounds to all members of the public.
  • The use of portable compressors is not permitted anywhere on site.
  • Children must be controlled and supervised at all times and never left unaccompanied.  They are not allowed on any of the jetties or on the slipway unless they are kitted up and ready to dive or snorkel.  They are not allowed to paddle.
  • No ball games.
  • Well controlled dogs are welcome but must always be supervised (and not left in vehicles) and kept on a lead.  They are not allowed on any of the jetties, slipways or in the water.  They MUST be cleaned up after.  Please follow all directions given by Wraysbury Dive Centre staff. 
  • Footwear must been worn around the site at all times.  No bare feet.
  • All litter that has not originated from Wraysbury Dive Centre is to be removed from site to prevent injury to wildlife.
  • No smoking or vaping within 3m of any of the buildings.  Please put all cigarette waste in the bin.
  • No barbecues, naked flames, portable stoves or charging of vehicles with fuel allowed on site.


CONDITIONS OF ENTRANCE For visiting instructors and Dive Professionals

All diving schools, instructors and divers who use Wraysbury Dive Centre in an ‘at work’ situation i.e. receive payment, or some other form of favour or reward must conform to the Diving at Work Regulations 1997 and all other standards and procedures relevant to the activity laid down by the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the agencies they operate under.

You must have adequate insurance to cover all aspects of liability and must accept responsibility for provision of all relevant safety cover both on the surface and underwater.

Our staff and facilities, including emergency equipment cannot be treated as part of your emergency assistance plan.

Professional divers and instructors should visit the HSE website for more information on the Diving at Work Regulations approved code of practice - https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l105.htm

CONDITIONS OF ENTRANCE – REBREATHER DIVERS

  • All rebreather divers must make themselves known to a member of Wraysbury Dive Centre Staff before commencing their dive.
  • Under no circumstances whatsoever is solo diving allowed on a rebreather.
  • If at any time you are separated from your buddy, please ascend immediately.
  • Please adhere to your training agencies guidelines and safe diving practices at all times.
  • Sofnalime and sofnalime cartridges used in rebreathers must be disposed of away from Wraysbury Dive Centre.