In June 2009 Lesley Rudd, Lorraine Harrington, my son David and I travelled down to Swanage from Kent to spend 48 hours in Dorset. David disappeared off sailing with his friends. Lorraine explored Swanage. And Lesley and I planned to go diving.

Two weeks earlier I had enjoyed fantastic weather in Swanage. Two weeks on it was dire, overcast with a cold stiff breeze and large rollers were hitting the pier. The usual great Swanage underwater visibility was bound to be affected. With waves crashing around us, Lesley and I found even putting our fins on problematical. We finned along on the surface, parallel with the pier, before dropping down onto the seabed. The visibility was appalling. With large waves creating substantial surge we agreed to abandon the dive. Later in the evening, with lashing rain and strong winds, we agreed that there was no possibility of diving the following morning. Enjoying ourselves at the White Lion and now with no need for Lesley and I to have a clear head the next morning, Lorraine “Hollow Legs” Harrington led us astray, knocking back seven vodka and cokes and three amarettos while Lesley and I tried to keep up with her.

To our surprise the next morning the wind had dropped completely. The sea was calm and the underwater visibility was beginning to recover. Diving was back on. Feeling a bit groggy, I began to regret the previous evening excesses as Lesley and I kitted up. At the shallowest point of the dive the visibility was still only about 0.75 metres but at the furthest point of the pier, the visibility was a very acceptable 4 metres. We were pleased we could end our mini break on a high note.