Barrow – Roa Island

Location

Roa Island
Barrow in Furness
Cumbria
LA13 0QQ

Next Event

Roa Island - 15/06/2024 - All Day
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A shallow shore dive with an abundance of sea life.  We usually dive this site, entering the water one hour before low water on a neap tide, and aim to be out of the water by low water.  This is to avoid strong currents.

Getting there and Parking

The post code LA13 0QQ or What3Words https://what3words.com/noses.flies.overhear should get you there.  Park on the roadside as close to the end of Piel Street as you can.  If there is no roadside parking available, there is a small car park a little way back up the road here https://what3words.com/waxer.earmarked.clap  Car parking is free of charge.

Facilities

Roa Island Jetty

There are public toilets on Piel Street.  Also a fish & chip shop and ice cream!

Dive Site Access

We access the water from the jetty at the end of Piel Street.  Your Dive Manage will brief you, but we usually dive to the right (west side) of the jetty, staying in shallow water close to the shore (less and 10m) to avoid deeper water in the channel where there could be boat traffic.

Diver Proficiency

Suitable for all grades of qualified divers.

In the Water/Special Equipment

An SMB would be useful if you have one.  At the very least you could carry a DSMB.  Also essential to take a line cutter and/or knife.  A torch is also essential as visibility can be poor.

The sea bed is fairly flat and covered in cobbles, pebbles, sand, seaweeds and sponges.  If you look closely there is an abundance of marine life including crabs, starfish, sponges, anemones, sea squirts, fish, lobsters, nudibranchs, whelks etc.

Site Specific Hazards

It’s a good idea for the Dive Manager to check with the British Ports Authority, Barrow Control Room, prior to the day of diving as to whether there is any dredging planned or large ships expected.  It’s also recommended to phone them prior to entering the water to let them know diving is taking place, and also afterwards when all divers are clear of the water.

Possibility of strong currents if the timing of the dive isn’t right.  Boat traffic in the deeper water of the channel.  The small Piel Island ferry regularly comes to the jetty on the east side, so diving to the west side should avoid this.  Fishing line is a possibility.  It’s difficult to exit the water back onto the jetty.  If exiting onto the shore, the cobbles and pebbles are often covered in seaweed and can be slippery.

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