Five Keys Dive Shops Host Free Diver Safety Programs

KEY LARGO (CBSMiami) – With lobster mini-season on the horizon, a few dive shops in the Keys are stressing safety by staging a no-cost safety program Saturday and Sunday.

Lobster mini-season, a popular time for diving, is set for July 24-25.

"So many divers come for mini-season and they haven't been underwater in a year or even several years," said organizer Gary Mace. "Their gear may not be well maintained and their physical condition may not be right for what can be a strenuous activity."

The five Upper Florida Keys dive shops, from the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., will host the event which features a free Professional Association of Diving Instructors scuba review refresher course, fitness-to-dive health consultation with a Divers Alert Network-certified physician, scuba equipment inspection and a boat safety check by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Islamorada.

"We simply want to avoid tragedies and provide an opportunity to make it as safe as possible and for everyone to enjoy lobster mini-season," said Mace.

All participants must be certified divers with a nationally recognized scuba certification agency.

The dive shops hosting the safety programs are Atlantis Dive Center, Conch Republic Divers, Florida Keys Dive Center, Horizon Dive Center and Islamorada Dive Center.