KEY WEST, Florida Keys – A multi-agency initiative, designed to enhance sport diving safety, is to be highlighted by a Lobster Diving Rodeo and Safety Expo Monday, July 23, in the Florida Keys.

 

The free, highlight event of the new Dive Alive program, is to be staged on the campus of the Florida Keys Community College, at 5901 College Rd., in Key West, two days prior to the July 25th opening of Florida’s special two-day mini-lobster season, a time period that traditionally attracts the most divers to the Keys.

 

The challenge, marine-related officials say, is that in their enthusiasm to catch tasty Florida spiny lobsters, many divers either forget or fail to exercise proper scuba diving safety measures. Failure to do so can result in diving accidents and sometime those mishaps can be catastrophic.

 

The event is to combine scuba and snorkeling skills stations and games with mini safety briefings. Skills stations will vary from basic mask clearing to controlled emergency swimming ascents and weight dropping. There are even demonstrations and contests designed to hone one’s lobster-catching skills including “tickling” techniques and bagging simulated lobsters.

 

A longer story — with a Dive Alive video message from Coast Guard Captain Scott Buschman as well as links to a downloadable PDF dive safety card and Lobster Rodeo brochure — are available on the Florida Keys & Key West tourism Web site.