Three special constables and one Police Officer, who are attached to the Tourism Unit in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, have completed a course in Open Water Diving thanks to the efforts of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association (SPTGA). They were presented with their certificates of completion by President of the SPTGA, Mr. Billy Leslie on Friday, September 14, 2012.
The program offering diving lessons to the San Pedro Police Department came about as an extension to the Youth Summer Dive Camp held in July as a way for the Tour Guide Association to serve the community.
Billy Leslie, President of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association, hands out certificates to Special Constable
“We live on an island and our officers are only trained to work on land,” commented Billy Leslie. “They need to get familiarized with water activities and some of the hazards of scuba diving and other marine activities so that they know how to handle situations when they arise.”
“This course brings them one step closer to obtaining their rescue divers certification which will be an asset when assisting in marine rescue or investigations,” commented Officer in Charge of the Tourism Police Unit, Sharmane Young. “I am very confident in my officers and I know that they will do a good job and will be better prepared to handle different situations that arise when serving the community.”
The diving program was made possible in part with PADI, and Hol Chan Marine reserve. Up to now only four officers have received the training but it is expected that most, if not all, the officers in the Police Department will receive this training.
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