A diver who trained in the freezing waters of a quarry in England but has moved to the warmer waters of the Sunshine Coast has marked 30 years in his unusual profession.
Ade Lynch emigrated to Australia in 2009 with his family and began working as a casual diver at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, where he is now the aquarium’s dive supervisor.
From his very first scuba dive experience in a swimming pool aged nine, Mr Lynch was hooked and on March 24 he marked 30 years as a professional diver.
“I trained as a (BSAC) British Sub-Aqua Club diver in the UK and for the best part of my diving experience, used a dry suit due to the freezing temperatures,” he said.
“When I wasn’t ocean diving, I spent many a happy time at 36 metres down, on the bottom of a low-visibility, water-filled quarry in Leicester, England. Sometimes we had to break the ice to get in.
“Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to train and share my knowledge with thousands of divers and I am very fortunate that my hobby is also my dream job.”
An average day for Mr Lynch at SEA LIFE begins at 7am with a cup of tea and a quick email check, before heading to the dive station for a six-hour dive shift. Fully kitted with 40kg of weight on his back, he carries out tasks such as underwater vacuuming, sweeping and scrubbing.
After the housekeeping is done he heads to the oceanarium – with helmet, chainmail and gloves – to feed the sharks, rays and groupers.
Due to his experience and enthusiasm for all things ‘underwater’, he also leads the shark diving at the aquarium.
“I love the Shark Dive Xtreme experience we provide at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast as it introduces guests to an incredible array of species and builds a closer connection to our oceans,” Mr Lynch said.
“When people experience animals close up, they understand the importance of why we do what we do and hopefully take away the enthusiasm to care for and protect our oceans and the marine life within, and subsequently share their experience with others.”
In his 30 years in the water, Mr Lynch has also held responsibilities including dive safety officer at SEA LIFE and served on other diving safety boards.
“I’ve been extremely fortunate to have worked with many amazing teams over the years, gaining a wealth of knowledge along the way,” he said.
“From overseeing transportation of large animals around the world, participating in conservation work for the critically endangered grey nurse sharks and helping guests gain a better understanding and appreciation for the ocean, it’s a magical thing,” he said.
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