BY COLM BRADLEY

There I was on a crisp December morning, speeding over the waves of Lough Erne with the wind in my face, the throttle set to max and nothing but the clear blue waters and a dot of an Island in the distance.

Having watched the new James Bond movie the previous night I couldn't quite shake the theme tune from my head, and as the Island started to form into a batch of recognisable trees and foliage I began wondering if Blowfeld had a secret lair somewhere beneath the waves. Perhaps he was plotting and scheming to take over our beautiful county by kidnapping some local politicians and holding us to ransom for 'ten million Euro!'

Yes, that Blowfeld was a shrewd fellow, looking to make use of the weak sterling rate, but he had perhaps overplayed his hand if he thought the good people of Fermanagh would stump up the cash during this cold economic snap to save a few politicians.

Easing off the throttle ever so slightly and snaking around one side of the island I couldn't help but scan the shoreline for any possible secret entrance. Non was forthcoming though. That Blowfeld was a tricky customer. It was only when I was nudged and told to head back to the pier that the James Bond day dream was shattered and I remembered that I was journalist doing his level one powerboat licence. The nudge on the shoulder had come from Rory Martin, an instructor at the Share Centre who had offered a day on the waves to a few journalists to teach us a little more about the wonderful Lough which determines the land on which we live.

So, leaving the James Bond fantasy to one side and being serious for a moment there are a few things we should keep in mind about Lough Erne. The first is for those people who take its existence for granted.

We live in a beautiful county and the Lough is the life blood of that beauty. It's a stunning string to our county's bow and certainly something that we should be proud of and use more often.

Secondly, and probably more importantly, is the fact that we should always remember to put safety first when on the water. I find it amazing that there you do not need a licence to operate a powerboat, nor indeed the majority of boats on the water. It seems a crazy situation to me and given how much is involved, especially on the safety aspects, in the level one course I find it hard to believe that everyone operating boats on Lough Erne are fully aware of all safety precautions.

There is no doubt that the course that the Share centre offer will make you a better, more conscientious and safer powerboat driver. In fact an argument could be made that because so many people use the water without a licence and proper safety training this course is even more beneficial for those who complete it.

But for those looking for a bit of speed, your needs are catered for too. The course includes instruction in the following manoeuvres;

* Starting and Stopping

* Use of Kill cord

* Steering controls

* Securing to a buoy

* Leaving and Coming along side

* Being Towed

* High and Low Speed Manoeuvres

* Man overboard recovery

* Anchoring

The course can be done in one day or over two days and for people like me, who have been on the Lough as passengers, it offers the perfect opportunity to get your hands on the wheel for the first time in a safe environment and under the watchful eyes of an expert instructor. Indeed this powerboat course it is the perfect Christmas present for the first time water enthusiast and with 20% off power boat courses there has never been a better time to get out on the Lough.

The Share Centre are also offering skills course vouchers in Sailing, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Canoeing and Kayaking.

Contact the Share Centre on 02867722122 for more information.