Diving Emergency Rescue Course by Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have good baseline fitness to comfortably complete multiple dives and emergency drills.
Overview
Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key offers a comprehensive 4-day rescue course combining vital emergency skills with thrilling wreck dives. Perfect for divers aged 12 and up eager to enhance their safety knowledge underwater.
Adventure Tips
Complete Open Water Certification First
Ensure you have your Open Water Diver certification before enrolling as it is a required prerequisite.
Hydrate Well Before Boat Dives
Drink plenty of water before heading out on boat trips to avoid dehydration in the sun and salt air.
Arrive Early for Equipment Checks
Show up early to allow ample time for gear fitting and safety briefings before each dive.
Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and the marine environment with eco-friendly sunscreen, especially during boat travel and surface intervals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawksbill sea turtles
- Reef fish like angelfish and parrotfish
History
Big Pine Key and the Florida Keys have a storied maritime history, with numerous shipwrecks preserved as dive sites that serve as both training grounds and ecological preserves.
Conservation
Paragon Diving promotes responsible diving practices to minimize impact on fragile coral reefs, including educating divers on reef-safe behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Certified Dive Mask
A well-fitting mask is critical for clear underwater vision during both training and dives.
Wet Suit (3-5mm)
Provides thermal protection in the varying water temperatures around Big Pine Key.
fall|winter|spring specific
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin and the fragile reef environment from harmful chemicals.
summer specific
Dive Computer
Helps monitor depth and time underwater for safer dive profiles during rescue scenarios.