Marine experience kindles career dreams Coffs Coast Coffs Coast - popup ad Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - August 20, 2024 Rymarine participants breathe underwater during their introductory scuba diving lesson with Jetty Dive. Photo: Mark Spencer. COFFS Harbour Daybreak Rotary Club has launched Rymarine 2024, a program offering a unique four-day marine experience for young people in and around Coffs Harbour. “The participants, usually fifteen to sixteen years of age, are given an opportunity to learn more about marine science at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs, one of the country’s leading research and teaching institutions,” said Mark Spencer, the Rotary Club’s youth director. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Over four days participants will take part in kayaking on the Bongil Bongil River and a guided walk over Muttonbird Island in the evening. Participants will have an introduction to scuba diving in the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool and a snorkel diving experience at one of the Solitary Islands. “They will participate in a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at what goes on at the Coffs Harbour Wildlife Sanctuary, undertake observations and experiments at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, and observe the role and activities of Marine Rescue in Coffs Harbour with a tour of the base and the CH30 Marine Rescue boat,” said Mark. Past participants report enjoying new experiences, making new friends, and in many cases feeling inspired and better informed about career directions. “Some participants decide on a career in marine science, but others decide they would like to work in a field related to the ocean but not necessarily a science field, such as commercial scuba diving, becoming a National Parks officer or working with Fisheries,” Mark said. “The Rymarine experience helps young people make career decisions in the one or two school years ahead of them or simply inspires them to pursue diving as a hobby. “Either way, activities like Rymarine help create more educated ambassadors for the ocean, which is a very good thing.” Rymarine takes place from Thursday October 24 through to Sunday October 27. “Now is the time to send in registrations, as it is unlikely applications will be considered after mid-September,” said Mark. Email Mark for more information at rymarine.daybreak@gmail.com. By Andrea FERRARI Rymarine participants snorkeling under supervision with Jetty Dive at South West Solitary Island. Photo: Mark Spencer.
