Introduction
The 3Rs (Rocks, Rips, & Reefs) is a free public education and safety program for Divers and experienced Snorkelers and Swimmers. Participants learn about various dives sites to get a better understanding of the underwater features and how tides and conditions may affect them and is beneficial to both the new Diver and experienced veterans.
The program includes an in-water tour of each site led by experienced instructors so participants can experience first-hand how to safely enter and exit sites, how to recognize hazards and how to etter handle themselves in emergency situations. The events are a lot of fun, a little bit adventurous, and a great opportunity to learn about various dive sites. Most importantly, the experience will help you be a better and safer diver no matter where you go.
The 3Rs is free and open to the public. SCUBA certification is not required and experienced Snorkelers and Swimmers are welcome. Being a strong swimmer is advised.
The events are provided for free and led by volunteers and so are completely funded by your donations. A $20 donation is suggested and can be made at the event or can be made by clicking the Donation link on the main page.
Participants Will Learn:
- Identify underwater features by observing water movement and surf.
- Take advantage of the ocean’s natural wave action to make being in the ocean more comfortable and make diving easier.
- Spot safe places to enter and exit.
- Avoid common hazards to divers and snorkelers and learn to resolve problems when they do occur.
- Encounter rip and long shore currents and learn how to navigate them safely.
- Use tides and current conditions to plan dives.
What to Expect
All events are on Saturdays and begin with registration and sign in between 7:00am and 8:00am. Events begin at 8:00am with an orientation and safety briefing. The events last approximately 3 hours.
- 3Rs events are limited to a maximum of 50 participants and operate on a"First-Come, First-Served" basis.
- Parking is usually limited to street parking, which fills up quickly at beach locations on the weekends.
- Most locations do not have convienient restroom facilities.
- Snacks and refreshments are usually available and provided by our hosts. (See Host Clubs & Shops below)
- Please plan accordingly. Please show up early.
The event schedule is created and published at the beginning of each season. However, weather and ocean conditions may not allow for the in-water portion of the event. In the event that ocean conditions are unsafe, the on-shore safety briefing and orientation will still be held and the in-water portion of the event will be canceled.
What to Bring
- Mask, Fins, & Snorkel - all 3 are required for participation.
- A full wetsuit is strongly recommended for warmth.
- Boots and gloves are strongly recommended for protection, as some locations involve traversing exposed rocky reefs.
- Sunscreen.
If you do not have fins, we may have some available at the event. However, availability is not guaranteed.
Please check your gear before you arrive to ensure it is in good working condition.
What NOT to Bring
- Weights are discouraged.
- No personal floatation devices, such as life vests.
- No SCUBA gear (regulators, tanks, bouyancy compensators, etc...).
Legal Stuff
All participants must sign a liability waiver and release of claims form before participating in the 3Rs program. For your convinience, the Liability Waiver Form may be downloaded here: Liability Waiver Form, but will also be available at check-in on the day of the event.
MINOR PARTICIPATION POLICY (under the age of 18). For a minor to participate in the Rock, Rips and Reefs in-water portion, a parent or legal guardian must be present in the water with the minor. A minor may participate with a temporary guardian for the duration of the event. Parent or legal guardian must complete an additional consent form along with the standard signed liability waiver. This additional form, the Minor Child Assignment of Temporary Guardianship, may be obtained at the check-in table at the event.
Host Clubs and Shops
3Rs events are hosted by Clubs and Shops to assist with the event, provide Safety Swimmers from their organization and provide refreshments. This year we would like to recognize and thank the following hosts: San Diego Freedivers, La Jolla Swim and Sport, Ocean Enterprises Dive Shop, Dive Animals SCUBA Club, San Diego Dive Club, Just Get Wet Dive Shop, House of SCUBA Dive Shop, and Friends of The Children's Pool (Scott, David, Ken, & Marie).
2027 Schedule
The 2027 schedule is being finalized and will be posted here as soon as it is available.
Past Events
Here are some highlights from our past 3Rs events. View the Photos Page for still images.
Sunset Cliffs, 12 September 2015
La Jolla Caves, 11 July 2015
Marine Street, 8 August 2015