Each summer the San Diego Council of Divers (SDD) sponsors its Rocks Rips and Reefs education and safety program at several SoCal beaches. The program is intended for divers, snorkelers and swimmers. It is not a scuba course, but rather a workshop aimed at helping water enthusiasts increase their knowledge of the environment. Participants learn how to evaluate beach conditions, including how underwater features and tides affect entries and exits. The program is designed for all age groups and ability levels.
The program runs from June through September. Locations vary, but each course takes place on a Saturday morning starting at 8 a.m., lasts for about 2 to 2.5 hours and includes an in-water tour led by experienced instructors who will help participants experience firsthand how to recognize potential hazards, how to safely enter and exit the water, and how to handle themselves in emergency situations.
3Rs participants learn to:
- Identify underwater features by observing water movement and surf.
- Select the safest entry and exit points.
- Take advantage of the ocean’s natural wave action.
- Avoid common hazards and resolve problems quickly.
- Identify and encounter rip and long shore currents and navigate them safely.
- Use tides and current conditions to plan dives.
The 3Rs is free and open to the public. Scuba certification is not required and experienced snorkelers and swimmers are welcome. Participants must preregister and complete a liability waiver. Participants under 18 must have the waivers signed by a parent or legal guardian. Forms may be downloaded at sddivers.com/3rs.html.
Participants should bring their own mask, fins and snorkel. A full wet suit and gloves are strongly recommended. Weights are discouraged unless you are a strong swimmer or your wet suit is extremely buoyant. Scuba gear is not used during the 3Rs.
2018 3Rs Schedule
June 16
Marine Street
300 Marine Street La Jolla 92037
Sponsor: Beyond Land Adventures –
beyondlandadventures.com
June 30
North Bird Rock
6000 Camino de la Costa, La Jolla 92037
July 14
Goldfish Point (La Jolla Caves)
1325 Coast Blvd. La Jolla 92037
(meet in the cave store parking area)
Sponsor: Dive Animals Dive Club –
diveanimals.com
July 28
Shell Beach
1000 Coast Blvd. La Jolla 92037
(nearest cross street – Ocean St.)
Top of the stairs
Sponsor: Beyond Land Adventures –
beyondland.com
August 11
Hospital Point
350 Coast Blvd., La Jolla 92037
(where Coast and South Coast Blvd. cross)
August 25
Sunset Cliffs
1250 block of Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego 92107 (parking lot between Adair and Osprey Street)
September 8
Children’s Pool / S. Casa Beach
800 Coast Blvd., La Jolla 92037 (above stairs to South Casa Beach)
Sponsor: San Diego Dive Club – dive-club.org
About the San Diego Council of Divers
The San Diego Council of Divers (SDD) was founded in 1951 and is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to serving and educating scuba divers and snorkelers. The SSD is supported by members from area dive clubs including the Bottom Bunch; Dive Animals; San Diego Rainbow Dive Club; San Diego Freedivers; San Diego Dive Club; San Diego Underwater Photographic Society Club; USCD Sea Deucers Club; Blue Ocean Dive Club and the San Diego Sea Dogs. For more information visit ssdivers.com.
