DEMONSTRATION OF AQUALUNG

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27593, 25 February 1955, Page 12

DEMONSTRATION OF AQUALUNG

USE IN SWIMMING UNDER WATER

An exhibition of the use of the Aqualung, a compressed air, self-con-tained diving apparatus which is widely used in Wellington and Auckland for under-water swimmers and exploring, was given in Christchurch yesterday by Mr Roger Lascelles. It is claimed that under-water exploration is no longer the prerogative of the highly trained and heavily equipped deep-sea diver. For those who for pleasure wish to explore the underwater world at moderate depth simple means are now available in the use of the Aqualung. The equipment of the Aqualung diver weighs between 351 b and 401 b, and comprises a steel cylinder, one demand valve or reducer unit, breathing pipes, mouthpiece and nose-clip, carrying harness, pressure gauge and tube, and a set of tools and spares. To equalise the buoyance of man and water a quick-release weight belt is carried. A depth gauge is marked to 100 ft and fitted to the wrist A one-unit set of Aqualung apparatus has a normal endurance in 10ft or 12ft of water of about 45 minutes, and a double-unit will give double that time under the water.

Mr Lascelles was assisted by Mr Boger Gibbs. They do not claim that the apparatus has any real value in a swimming bath, but say that it is meant for the open sea, where it has been used extensively in fish-spearing ogferations. They say that a properly tiMde and carefully assembled AquaItmg is perfectly safe. They hope to interest others in the sport. In his exhibition yesterday Mr Lascelles, once submerged, came to the surface at rare intervals. For 20 minutes at a time he cruised the bottom of the baths, and aided by “flappers” (big rubber lootwear) he showed considerable speed in getting from one end of the bath to the other.