Learn Safe Snorkeling & Diving Tips at La Jolla Beaches This Summer

Grab your gear and head to La Jolla Cove this summer for free diving and snorkeling lessons, courtesy of local diving experts.

The San Diego Council of Divers and other diving groups are hosting eight free Saturday diving and snorkeling sessions at different beaches as part of the council's Rocks Rips & Reefs (3Rs) Program.

"Participants are briefed on the interaction of surf, swell, and tides on underwater rocks and reefs, and then enter the water and tour popular diver sites with experienced instructors," Scott Anderson, the president of the San Diego Council of Divers, said in an email.

The sessions are free, but donations are welcomed.

Participants don't need to have SCUBA certification, but they should have swimming experience. The council also advises those planning to come to check their gear if they haven't been diving or snorkeling in a while.

What you'll need:

• Mask, fins and snorkel.
• Full wetsuit and gloves strongly recommended.
• Weights are discouraged.
• Signed liability waiver (those under 17 must have it signed by a parent or legal guardian).

The class schedule:
(All sessions begin at 8 a.m. and generally last up to 2 hours.)

Boomer/La Jolla Cove: June 15: Meet at 1150 Coast Blvd. (La Jolla Cove steps). Session Host: La Jolla Cove Swim Club & Snorkel Swim Club of San Diego.                                                                                             

North Bird Rock: June 29: Meet at 6000 Camino de la Costa, La Jolla. Session Host: San Diego Council of Divers.

Goldfish Point (La Jolla Caves): July 13: Meet at 1325 Coast Blvd. (Old Shell Shop). Session Host: Dive Animals.                                                                                 

Marine Street: July 27: Meet at 244 Marine St. Session Host: Total Immersion Divers.

Shell Beach: Aug. 10: Meet at 1000 Coast Blvd. (nearest cross street—Ocean St.) Top of the stairs. Session Host: San Diego Freedivers.                                                                                                                       

Hospital Point: Aug. 24: Meet at 400 Coast Blvd (south of Cuvier). Session Host: Sea Dogs.                                                                                                                 

Sunset Cliffs: Sept. 7: Meet at parking lot on the 1200 block of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard (cross street Osprey). Session Host: Rainbow Dive Club.                                                                                                                         

Send questions to info@sddivers.com or visit the San Diego Council of Divers' website here.