Borehamwood diver prepares for world record attempt

11:01am Thursday 10th April 2008

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After unintentionally breaking the world record for the longest open water dive in 2005, Borehamwood scuba diver Will Goodman returns to the waters of Indonesia next week to attempt an even more daring feat.

Mr Goodman, 31, spent 24 hours under water to set the previous record, but when he dives back in to the sea in Gili Trawangan on Monday, he will be attempting to stay under for 100 hours.If he succeeds, as well as setting a new Guinness world record, he hopes to create awareness for the work of Indonesian children's charities, a cause close to his heart.While preparing for the dive this week, Mr Goodman told his mother, Linda Goodman, that he was "feeling a bit nervous, but confident that I'll hold out for the entire 100 hours".Mrs Goodman, of Aycliffe Road, said: "I think he is mad. But that is William all over. I am a bit nervous for him, but when he says he is going to do something he always does."He is a very determined young man. I was very happy when he broke the world record three years ago, I'd be the proudest mum in the world if he pulled this one off, which I am confident he will."Salty water, boredom and the density of the current are some of the challenges Mr Goodman will be confronted with while under the water. But he apparently hopes to play Scrabble with his support crew, read, and try to catch some sleep.He caught the diving bug after accompanying his father, Peter Goodman, on a diving expedition to Cornwall ten years ago.Mrs Goodman, assistant library manager at Borehamwood Library, said: "He was reluctant to get in to the water at first, but after going in, he came out with a smile on his face and has been hooked ever since."Doctors are on stand-by to monitor Mr Goodman before, during and after the dive, and his father has joined him in Indonesia to offer vital moral support.

• Find out whether Mr Goodman succeeds in setting a new world record by checking the Borehamwood and Elstree Times website next week