With the beginning of spiny lobster season this Saturday morning, it is important for beachgoers to be aware of the various safety hazards for divers and boaters. Just last year five people died and a few were injured through diver-related activites in Southern California’s lobster season, according to NBC7.
Lobster diving presents multiple safety threats that normal diving does not. In an interview with NBC7, Lt. Cmdr. Kris Szczechowicz of the Coast Guard said, “You’re actively trying to grab the lobsters, maintain a hold of them while monitoring your air pressure in your tank, your location under the water.”
Many of the dangers encountered by spiny lobster divers can be averted with a few safety precautions. Here are a few tips recommended by San Diego Life Guards to be safe during spiny lobster season:
- Use the buddy system. Diving with a competent friend will help avert multiple emergency situations. For example, if a diver gets stuck on a fisher line, a friend can quickly help untangle the line.
- Do not overestimate yourself. It is better to ditch the weights, inflate your BC and signal distress when in a life-threatening situation, rather than attempting a dangerous maneuver through the water.
- Check your health. Make a doctor’s appointment for a medical evaluation, to make sure your body is in prime condition for diving. The prolonged intensity and stress of the underwater sport has caused many preventable heart-attacks.
- Go over emergency procedures. Know what to do should an emergency arise. Have a plan.
- Recieve adequate training. Lobster diving is a sport for well-seasoned divers. Ensure that you’re properly prepared for the challenge.
Boaters should also be aware of the hundreds of divers that populate the ocean in this season, when traveling through popular fishing areas. It is vital that there is always someone on the boat acting as a lookout to avoid divers.
Lobster Season ends on March 16, 2016. All lobster divers must have a California fishing license, a spiny lobster report card and a measuring guage to make sure their lobsters meet the legal size requirements. See the 2015-16 Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for more specific details on fishing laws.
