Safety for divers and boaters is of utmost concern for the Apollo Beach Spearfishing Team. Practiced safely, the sheer fulfillment and pleasure offered by entering this "blue world" is hard to express in words. Sometimes deceivingly, the exciting waters of Florida also present hidden challenges both above and below the water. Without the proper training, equipment, maintenance and supervision, many new divers find themselves faced with conditions, weather, boating hazards or marine life that may pose serious risk of injury, drowning or death.

The first step in safer diving is to seek proper boating education from local, state and federal marine authorities. These agencies offer public information on upcoming USCG boating courses, local navigation, regulations, and resources for marine weather, boating safety and seaworthy navigation.

Freedive spearfishing can also be a potentially deadly activity if practiced without proper training and direct supervision by an experienced, trained diver. We do not recommend participation until you have completed some accredited freediving skills courses and safety training and have been diving for some time under the supervision of experienced, trained dive professionals.

Here are links to some useful marine boating, diving and freediving education and safety links:

United States Coast Guard Boating Safety

Boatsafe.com- article on hypothermia and other dangers

NOAA Marine forecasts

Divewise.org-important freediver safety information and resources

Aquatic Obsessions Beginner Freediving Safety Course

Performance Freediving International Freediver course- for Intermediate to Advanced Freedivers