DURHAM, N.C., July 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- It's almost
lobster mini season in Florida —
an exciting time to be a diver for sure. But why are the two days
that make up lobster mini season the most dangerous 48 hours of
diving in Florida each year?
Florida FWC issues more than 50,000 permits annually for lobster
mini season, which will take place on July
25 and 26 this year. With everyone searching the same spots,
it can get crowded underwater. Lobsters are nocturnal — and fast —
which can make it easy to get distracted and lose track of your
buddy, especially if you're hunting at night. Even more important,
it's easy to lose track of your air supply. With divers pushing
themselves to physical, technical and skill limits, there's a
potential for serious trouble.
"DAN research shows that hunters are more likely to run out of
air or experience a gas embolism than non-hunters because of task
loading or distractions," said Petar
Denoble, DAN Vice President of Mission. "So whether it's
mini season or the regular season, taking the time to prepare can
prevent injury and/or death. For example, if you're not a certified
night diver, take a course now if you plan to hunt at night. And,
of course, before you hit the water, review with your buddy
procedures for running out of air or getting separated."
What else can divers do to stack the deck in their favor
while lobster hunting?
- Check your air — often. While this may sound obvious, it's one
of the most forgotten safety measures while hunting. A good rule of
thumb? Come back to the surface with at least 500 PSI.
- Dive with a buddy, and stay close. Your buddy can help if you
get tangled or share air if you run out.
Should an incident happen, call:
- 911
- DAN at +1 (919) 684-9111
"Over the last 10 years there have been 20 diver deaths during
lobster mini season. DAN research also shows that divers who
participate in lobster mini season have a 140 percent higher risk
of dying while diving than at any other time while diving in
Florida," said Bill Ziefle, DAN President and CEO. "We want
divers to have fun during mini season, but mostly we want them to
come back safely. These goals are not mutually exclusive."
Additional lobster mini season safety tips include:
- Be physically ready to dive. Ask yourself if you're prepared
for the rigors of the hunt. It's ok to say you're not feeling well
or to accept that your gear shrunk over the winter and no longer
fits. Either rent gear that does (and test it first), or stay dry
and buy your bugs at the store.
- Plan your dive carefully and stick to your plan. Find out about
prevailing currents, local underwater hazards, entry/exit points,
boat traffic and other marine life that might not take kindly to
your poaching their dinner.
- Do buddy checks. Don't just think your buddy's gear is in good
working order, know it.
- Don't drink and dive. Wait until you're back on dry land to
celebrate your haul.
- Check your medications. Some prescription and over-the-counter
meds are not conducive to rigorous diving. Check with your doctor
or call DAN to see if there are any issues you need to be aware
of.
To see other lobster mini-season safety tools and tips and
download the infographic, go to: DAN.org/Lobster.
For up-to-date information about lobster mini season
regulations, go to
http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lobster.
Need to join DAN or renew your membership before mini
season?
Go to DAN.org/join.
About DAN: The world's most recognized and respected dive
safety organization, Divers Alert Network (DAN) has remained
committed to the health and well-being of divers for 38 years. The
organization's research, medical services and global-response
programs support an extensive network capable of reaching divers
with vital injury-prevention initiatives, educational programs and
lifesaving evacuations. Every day, hundreds of thousands of divers
around the world look to DAN as their dive safety organization.
Media Contact: sjamroz@dan.org
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SOURCE Divers Alert Network