San Diego Freediving Rescue Techniques: What to Do in an Emergency

Freediving around San Diego’s best breaks—La Jolla Cove, Sunset Cliffs, and the kelp forests off Point Loma—demands respect for the ocean and preparation for worst-case scenarios. Every diver should understand basic rescue techniques. The difference between a routine incident and a tragedy often comes down to immediate, correct action from the buddy on the surface.

Recognize the Signs of Shallow Water Blackout

Shallow water blackout (SWB) is the primary emergency you’ll face in San Diego freediving. It occurs when a diver loses consciousness underwater due to hypoxia, typically on ascent after breath-holding. Unlike panic, which has visible warning signs, SWB happens silently and suddenly.

Watch for these indicators:

• Unresponsiveness or glazed eyes
• Unusual body position or limp limbs
• Lack of normal surface behavior after a dive
• No response to verbal cues

The danger: a diver can appear fine one moment and be unconscious the next. This is why you never dive alone, and why your buddy must stay focused and watching—not distracted or fatigued.

Immediate Surface Rescue Protocol

If your buddy doesn’t surface within an expected timeframe or surfaces unresponsive:

1. Get them to the surface (if not already there) If they’re still underwater, descend quickly, grab them firmly under the arms, and ascend at a controlled pace. Don’t panic and shoot upward—controlled ascent prevents additional injury.

2. Clear their airway Get their head back immediately. Clear any water from their mouth and nose. Support their head and neck—they may have aspirated water.

3. Check for responsiveness Shout their name, tap their shoulders. If they’re unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin rescue breathing immediately.

4. Position for rescue breathing Tilt their head back slightly to open the airway. You can perform rescue breathing in the water if trained, or get them to a boat, platform, or shallow water where you have better stability.

Rescue Breathing in the Water

San Diego’s popular freediving spots—La Jolla Cove’s protected waters, the calm mornings at Sunset Cliffs—sometimes lack immediate access to a boat or platform. You may need to perform rescue breathing while treading water.

• Support their head and neck with one arm.
• Pinch their nose closed.
• Take a deep breath and seal your mouth over theirs.
• Give slow, steady breaths (one every 5 seconds).
• Watch for their chest to rise—this confirms air is reaching the lungs.
• Continue until they regain consciousness, emergency responders arrive, or you’re too exhausted to continue.

Signal for help immediately. Use a whistle, wave, or shout. Other divers, lifeguards, or nearby boaters may be closer than you think.

Get Them Out of the Water

Once you’ve established breathing and they’re stable, move toward shore or a boat. If they’re conscious and alert, they can assist. If unresponsive, keep them face-up and continue rescue breathing en route.

For Point Loma dives or kelp forest entries where currents run, know your exit strategy beforehand. Rip currents and surge can complicate rescue. Practice exits and understand seasonal conditions—summer brings calmer water, but winter swells create hazardous retrieval scenarios.

Recovery Position and CPR

Once on solid ground or a boat:

• Place the diver on their side in the recovery position (head tilted back, one leg bent for stability).
• Monitor breathing and responsiveness.
• If they’re not breathing and unresponsive, begin CPR immediately: 30 chest compressions, 2 rescue breaths, repeat.
• Continue CPR until emergency responders take over or the diver shows clear signs of life (normal breathing, responsiveness, movement).

Even if the diver appears to recover, call 911 immediately. Secondary drowning or delayed complications can occur hours after the incident. They need professional medical evaluation.

Before You Dive: Prevention

The best rescue is the one you never need. In San Diego:

• Always dive with a trained buddy. Never solo, regardless of your experience.
• Use a float and flag to mark your position and alert boats.
• Know the location’s hazards. La Jolla Cove is protected but crowded; Point Loma has currents; kelp forests can disorient.
• Stay within your limits. Depth, breath-hold duration, and physical condition matter.
• Get formal rescue training. AIDA, IANTD, and PADI offer freediving certifications that include rescue protocols.
• Check conditions daily. Swell, surge, visibility, and water temperature change seasonally.

Stay Ready

Freediving is safer when divers prepare for emergencies before entering the water. Know the signs of SWB, practice rescue breathing, understand CPR, and always have a communication plan with your buddy. San Diego’s world-class freediving spots are accessible year-round—respect them by diving smart and staying trained.

Use the Element app to monitor water conditions, swell, and temperature at your favorite San Diego breaks, so you can make informed decisions before each dive.