As the annual event kicks off, hundreds of lobster hunters and boaters are expected to participate in this annual South Florida tradition. Several vessels from the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC), state and local law enforcement jurisdictions will patrol Miami-Dade County waterways. 

During the press conference, FWC, as the lead agency, will discuss lobstering zones, South Florida regulations and have a lobster demonstration. MDFR and other participating agencies will provide safety information that should be taken into consideration in order to ensure a safe lobster mini season.

In an effort to increase diver safety, MDFR reminds divers and boaters to enjoy a safe lobster mini season by observing the following safety tips:

• Refresh your diving skills: If you have been absent from diving for at least a year, ask your local retailer about taking a diving refresher program, and include training in first aid and CPR. Refresher programs are short and simple, but more importantly they reacquaint you with skills such as how to set up your equipment, properly use dive tables and/or dive computer, and increase your confidence in the water.
• Always test your boat lights before leaving your dock: If you use battery-operated lights, always carry extra batteries. 
• Dive safely: Scan the water in all directions on a regular basis for hazardous situations. Make sure you have a dive flag that is easily visible to boaters. Stay close to the flag, and be alert for boaters who may not see your "diver down" flag.
• Always dive with a buddy: This primary rule of diving makes for a safer experience as well as easier lobster hunting.
• Maintain your gear: Make sure your diving equipment has received recent service (such as visual inspections for tanks and regulator servicing) and is streamlined to make your dives easier, safer and with minimal impact to the surrounding marine environment.
• Have a fire extinguisher on board: Fire extinguishers are a very important safety item. Make sure to inspect them monthly to ensure they are properly stored, charged, and undamaged.
• Know where to go in case of an emergency: Know where the nearest medical and chamber facilities are and how to get there.
• Are you covered? Consider obtaining dive insurance before the dive season begins to assist in the event of a dive-related emergency.
• Have a plan: Plan your dives to be well within safe time and depth limits and stick to the plan.
• File a boating "Float Plan" with family and friends: Similar to a "flight plan," make sure someone on land knows your "float plan" or the general area you plan to dive and navigate and when to expect your return.
• Life vests safe lives! Have life vests available for each person in the boat, including appropriate vest size for children.
• Monitor weather conditions: Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions and respond accordingly. Know how to operate the VHS radio. Have it tuned to channel 16 and know how to communicate on the radio in case of an emergency.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or high sugar content since they actually contribute to dehydration.

Click here for the two-day recreational lobster mini season rules and Florida regulations.
Visit our website for additional boating safety tips.

For details on Vessel Safety Check, Life Jacket Wear, Filing a Float Plan, Propeller Safety and information on local or online Boating Safety Courses visit: http://www.uscgboating.org

Media Note: 
Interviews will be available in English and Spanish.