Surfing and door lock/key question
 

My last vehicle had a keypad entry on the driver's side door which was perfect when I went surfing. I have an '01 Disco2 with power locks which are controlled by the remote on the key. I purchased a genuine Land Rover key blank and had a copy made, but it does not unlock the door. The key will open the door on its own when separated from the remote, I also see some plastic and metal at the end of the key. Can this part of the key get wet? I'm assuming there is a chip in there that disarms the alarm. I've also tried locking the door (from the dashboard) and not arming the LR, but the driver's side door stays unlocked and can't be locked manually. My wetsuit has a pocket near the ankle with a loop so even if I can get the key wet I'll need to figure a way to attach it to the loop. This is my only complaint about my Disco2. Are there any other ways around this?

Thanks,

-D2G