Underwater fishing equipment such as spearguns and pole spears can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. Whether you’re diving with others or handling your gear out of the water, proper speargun safety is essential to prevent serious injury or death.
The following best practices will help minimise the risk of accidents both in and out of the water.
⚠️ General Speargun Handling Guidelines
When using a speargun, always follow these essential safety rules:
- NEVER point your speargun at anyone – including yourself. Always treat every speargun as if it is loaded.
- NEVER overload your speargun with additional rubbers beyond its design limit.
- NEVER use a damaged speargun. Always inspect your gear before diving, especially rubbers, wishbones, and trigger mechanisms.
- NEVER dive if you are unwell or injured – poor condition may impair your decision-making and speargun handling.
- NEVER load your speargun out of the water – always load only once you are in the water.
- NEVER exit the water with a loaded speargun – always unload while still in the water.
- NEVER pass a loaded speargun on or off a boat.
- NEVER rush when loading your speargun – stay in control at all times.
- NEVER fire your speargun out of water – the shaft may bounce back or travel dangerously far.
- NEVER shoot blind into overgrown, dark, or unclear areas – always check your surroundings and what’s beyond your target.
- NEVER fire unless you are sure of your dive buddy’s location.
- NEVER swim with a loaded speargun in surf or poor visibility – rough water can cause accidental discharge.
- ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- ALWAYS cover your spear tip when out of the water.
- ALWAYS exercise extreme caution when loading pneumatic spearguns.
- ALWAYS store your (unloaded) speargun securely while onboard a boat to prevent it from bouncing around or causing injury.
- ALWAYS load in two safe steps:
- Place the speargun firmly against your chest, pointing the spear tip away from you.
- Engage the wishbone in the first notch, pause, then proceed to the second notch if needed.
- ALWAYS anticipate recoil – recoil can cause serious injuries like broken masks, noses, or even teeth.
🔧 Speargun Storage & Maintenance
Proper storage and maintenance will keep your speargun safe and reliable over time:
- ALWAYS store your speargun in a secure, locked location – well out of reach of children.
- ALWAYS rinse your speargun with fresh water after use, and allow it to dry in the shade before storing.
- ALWAYS keep your speargun in a cool, shaded place – particularly the rubber components.
- ALWAYS inspect your speargun regularly for wear and tear, especially the rubber bands and trigger mechanism.
- ALWAYS have your speargun serviced by a professional if you are unsure about maintenance.
SPEARSAFE CONTENTS
Australian Underwater Federation - Spearfishing 