Divers Are Dying Near The Surface. Now There's A Call For Safety Warnings

Divers Are Dying Near The Surface. Now There’s A Call For Safety Warnings

A speargun and fins sit inside a kayak at Nāpōʻopo‘o Wharf to compete in the Kealakekua Bay Non-Native I‘a (fish) Removal Event Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Captain Cook. Spearfishing has been banned in the Marine Life Conservation District since 1969. Numerous groups worked with state and local agencies for a special permit to close the bay to other aquatic activities and tourism for the morning. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)

Niki Roderick has noticed a troubling trend when teaching safety protocols to young people interested in spearfishing through her nonprofit FreediveSafe! Hawaiʻi: People don’t know enough about the risk of losing consciousness underwater. Recently, she had a class of 30 young divers and spearfishermen. Only two raised their hands when she asked if they understood … Continue reading Divers Are Dying Near The Surface. Now There’s A Call For Safety Warnings