A SAFETY campaign is being launched in memory of a man who tragically died while spearfishing near Weymouth.

Andrew Scott, 27, of Winterborne Whitechurch, near Blandford, drowned while spearfishing at Ringstead Bay in July 2017.

An inquest concluded his death was the result of an accident.

The coroner said at the time: "If anything good can come of Andrew’s death it can be to educate others and warn others of the dangers of using such items in the future.”

Money collected at Andrew's funeral was donated to the RNLI and to the British Spearfishing Association (BSA) which planned to use this money to create safety booklets for those interested in the activity.

Two years on from the tragic accident, the BSA is releasing 'A Guide to Safe Spearfishing' at a launch event at Ringstead Bay. This booklet, which has been put together with the support of Andrew's family, includes a dedication to him.

The guide includes information about what to do and what not to do before and during a dive as well as crucial advice about what to do in the case of a shallow water blackout.

Matt Newman, BSA secretary, said: "We have been working closely with the family of the deceased diver, along with freediving instructors and experienced spearfishers who have represented Great Britain at European and world spearfishing competitions for many years, to produce a safety booklet to try and increase awareness for the safety aspects in this sport that is becoming more popular throughout the UK.

"I have been spearfishing for 16 years and for the last ten years or so I have started to take it a bit more seriously.

"Before this there wasn't really a definitive guide for spearfishing, and I'm not saying this is the definitive one, but it has lots of hints and tips especially about the safety aspect of spearfishing."

On Sunday, July 14 the BSA is holding an event for spearfishers of all abilities to go to and meet some of the best in the country, dive with them and learn things from them like safety techniques, how to use and set up equipment, and what to look for underwater.

The safety booklet will be launched at this event and Andrew's family will be there to speak to the divers, some of whom helped search for and find Andrew's body.