With the opening of lobster-hunting season on Sept. 28, hundreds of divers will be in pursuit of the California spiny lobster. San Diego beaches are popular for lobster fishing but can be hazardous for divers and boaters, according to the San Diego Fire/Rescue Department’s Lifeguard Services. Lifeguards will be increasing staffing on opening night to help Fish and Game Department wardens and to respond to emergencies. The majority of diving-related injuries and deaths are preventable. Before entering the water, be sure that:
• Your training is adequate for the ocean conditions and you will respect your limitations.
• You will not hesitate to ditch your weights, inflate your BC and signal for help when in distress.
• Your physical fitness is adequate for the heavy, physical activity that lobster diving entails. Many dive fatalities are caused by heart attacks.
• You are diving with a competent buddy and that you go over emergency procedures.
• You feel completely comfortable making the dive.
 
Boaters need to be aware of the increased diver population when transiting through or near fishing areas. There should always be a lookout on the boat helping the operator avoid divers and other boats at night, and navigation lights always need to be on. People using hoop nets should not set them in areas that would cause obstruction to vessel navigation – particularly in Mission Bay Channel. Boaters should be aware of the surf conditions and avoid getting too close to breaking waves.
Lobster season lasts until March 18, 2015. Lobsters may be taken only by hand or hoop nets. Divers fishing for lobsters must have a valid California fishing license and a spiny lobster report card and must carry a measuring gauge to ensure their lobsters are of legal size. Daily limits are seven lobsters per person and each lobster must measure a minimum of three-and-one-fourth-inches measured in a straight line on the midline of the back. For a diagram and instructions, see page 97 in the 2014-15 Ocean Fishing Sport Fishing Regulations, available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/regulations.asp or wherever licenses are sold.
Current weather and surf conditions are updated by lifeguards on a 24-hour recording at (619) 221-8824.