Avalon Casino Point Dive Park - Are Snorkelers Allowed?

[drbill]

Snorkelers often tend to be new to the water (vs free divers). They often aren't aware of the etiquette involved in using a site with entry stairs (like the dive park) which funnels traffic through one bottleneck. Certainly there are things to be said for the pre-stairs rock entry which tended to weed out the snorkelers from the park since entries and exits were not as easy as they are today.

All I ask of snorkelers is that they observe the posted rules and use common sense. But then a number of divers don't either. The past few days I have seen a (small) number of divers place their gear right on top of the painted signs on the asphalt that say "NO DIVE GEAR" in big, bold letters.

We've added better signage (including the IN and OUT arrows that designate which side of the stairs to use, courtesy of yours truly), but if people don't even read, much less heed, the signs they do no good.

 

[runway1]

I think that the statement by runway1 is incorrect because the island is owned and administered by the Catalina Conservancy Company. The dive park is actually private beach that is offered as a public recreation area.

Unknown to me. Thanks, muddiver & Dr. Bill. Another lesson learned.

I agree with Dr. Bill and others that if the park is a private area bequeathed for scuba, then the owner can set the rules and all should oblige. And yes, stairs are stairs ANYWHERE. People in scuba gear, snorkel gear, office gear, airport gear, etc, should not obstruct stair ways; I agree that's pretty obvious and a matter of basic consideration - shouldn't t need a rule for that!

Diving the park every month or so, I understand and witnessed people's frustrations. I'm just the type that trys....trys to extend to others the consideration I demand for myself.

robertarak, I would never wave my arms while in scuba gear. I was referring to a parent waving to their kids from the stairs. If something that natural bothers people well, good luck with real life.

 

[orangelion03]

Avalon Underwater Park

Pretty clear there. Doesnt say anything about scuba or snorkeling or swimming, or sitting in an inner tube or reclining on an air mattress.

Going to the park and complaining about snorkelers is like going to the Renn Faire and complaining about the cleavage.

 

[drbill]

I think that the statement by runway1 is incorrect because the island is owned and administered by the Catalina Conservancy Company.

As a former Vice President of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy and long-time consultant to the Santa Catalina Island Company (SCICo), I want to clarify this. The Conservancy owns very little property within the Avalon city limits (Conservancy House and the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden being two of their properties in the city). It also only owns 88% of the island.

The rest is owned primarily by SCICo (about 11%) and by lucky devils like me (0.00004%). The parking lot and land at the Casino Point Dive Park is owned by SCICo, as is the Casino.

The two are distinct and separate corporations although there are a few board members in common. The Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organization and the SCICo a for-profit corporation.

 

[drbill]

Going to the park and complaining about snorkelers is like going to the Renn Faire and complaining about the cleavage.

Robert, the complaints (at least mine) are directed at snorkelers who do not follow the rules, which actually is a majority of them (other than the ones on guided snorkel tours since they are supervised). Snorkelers who follow the rules aren't a problem.

I've never been to the Renn Faire... I guess I should "take it all in."

 

[robertarak]

I would NEVER complain about cleavage.

 

[orangelion03]

I've never been to the Renn Faire... I guess I should "take it all in."

Main reason I go every year. Otherwise it's hot, dusty, and the food is overpriced. Heh

 

[Clammy]

I just loudly proclaim "Please clear the stairs! There are divers (or people) trying to get in and out!" and repeat it several times as I pass by or wait when I see parents or snorkelers standing on the stairs waiting around or taking pictures. If I see them waiting around with small children, I add that it's dangerous to stand there.

 

[paradicio]

I've never been to the Renn Faire... I guess I should "take it all in."

Ahhh Dr. Bill, you are truly missing out...

 

[drbill]

Yep, I usually do miss out on everything... except our great island diving! Funny how many of those mainland women won't date me because I live in a place that's too remote! At least that's what they tell me!