New Inland dive site in Yorkshire

May 2006
A New scuba-diving facility has just opened at Womersley in the heart of Yorkshire. Providing long awaited open-water diving, air facilities, training and a retail outlet for the region's diving
community. The Blue Lagoon is built around a disused and flooded stone quarry, and the site boasts 16.5 acres of crystal-clear water teeming with well-established aquatic plant and animal life.

The Blue Lagoon recieved it's name from local residents due to the colour and clarity of the water occupying the site once quarrying had ceased. The magnesium limestone walls of layered offer a spectacular underwater backdrop, with easy access to the lake around the whole of the site. Fed by several freshwater springs, the bed of the quarry acts as a giant filter as water is fed through the aquifier into the lake.

Many new underwater visitor attractions have already been added to the site, which currently has a maximum depth of 6-9m, including two wrecks, an ex-lifeboat and a fishing boat. Soon to join them are a howitzer field gun and a Sabre light tank, which is currently being stripped of any hazardous objects.

Designated entry points allow easy access to the water, with training platforms placed in close proximity for new divers, trainees and those wishing to improve their skills. Facilities already in place include heated changing rooms, toilets, cafe and a spares shop.

Dive instructor trainer and propreitor Martin Ainsworth believes that providing an all-round service to individual divers, clubs and dive centers that come to the facility is key to an exciting and enjoyable diving experience.

Selby Council, who have approved planning for the multi-million pound project, see this type of business as vital to the growing tourism product of Yorkshire. The next stage of development encompasses a new purpose built dive centre designed by award-winning local architects Darnton Elgee. This Proposed Centre of excellence includes a heated indoor pool, several training rooms, restaurant, indoor 'suiting-up' area and seperate changing rooms.

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