Spearfishing Safety: Experience Isn’t Enough to Avoid Shallow Water Blackout

Don’t Dive Alone: Why Safety Always Comes First

Once or twice a year, we hear about an elite diver who dies from freediver blackout while spearfishing alone. Many of them had years of experience and formal safety training. They knew the risks of ignoring freediving safety protocols.

Yet, like driving without a seatbelt or under the influence, they made a fatal choice: they dove alone.

Maybe they trusted their hundreds of deep dives to prepare them for any emergency. Maybe they believed shallow water blackout only happens to “other people.” We’ll never know. The truth is simple and heartbreaking: they didn’t come back.

When Experience Isn’t Enough

What if you’re diving with someone you respect—an older, experienced spearo—but notice they’re ignoring safety rules? Should you follow their lead?

The answer is clear: no.

Every spearfishing session should begin with quick safety drills. These can include:

• LMC Rescue (Loss of Motor Control) on the surface

• Blackout rescue practice underwater or at the surface

These drills do three important things:

1. Reinforce safety techniques

2. Set the tone for the dive

3. Confirm that your buddy values safety as much as you do

Proactive Safety Communication

Before entering the water, talk with your dive buddies:

• Ask if they are trained in freediving safety.

• Suggest practicing a couple of drills together.

This conversation may feel awkward, but it prevents bigger problems later.

During the dive, stay alert. If your buddy seems distracted, a quick reminder like:

“Hey, safety—are you watching me?”

…can bring their focus back. If they continue to ignore safety? End the session.

Your life depends on it. A reckless buddy endangers both of you.

Why Safe Divers Are the Best Divers

Reckless divers often get blacklisted from trips. Safe divers, on the other hand, are highly valued—not because of flashy skills, but because they:

• Always watch their buddy

• Respect safety protocols

• Put life before ego

These are the dive partners worth admiring.

The Bottom Line

In spearfishing, experience matters—but safety matters more. The best divers are the ones who live by the safety rules of always watching your dive buddy and following the safety rules.