By City News Service

A diver became stricken in Santa Monica Bay Wednesday and was rescued by sheriff’s deputies and county firefighters, the second such rescue in little more than a week.

The 38-year diver, a resident of Ventura County with more than 20 years of scuba experience, was hunting spiny lobster with friends in over 90 feet of water about noon when he realized he was out of air and made a rapid ascent to the surface, Sgt. Frank Ruiz of the sheriff’s Marina del Rey Station said.

He was rushed by private boat to the sheriff’s station, where he was treated by marine patrol deputies and Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics before being transferred by helicopter to UCLA Medical Center, the sergeant said.

It was the second such incident since lobster season opened on Oct. 3, Ruiz said.

Another scuba diver was rescued the morning of Oct. 7 after he became stricken off Marina del Rey.

Sheriff’s officials reminded all divers to:

• Get a medical assessment before taking to the water;

• Always dive with a companion and leave excursion details with someone on shore who can notify authorities in case a return does happen as planned;

• Make sure all dives match one’s training, experience and fitness levels;

• Have equipment serviced yearly by a certified professional; and

• Constantly manage air usage.

“Remember that no lobster is worth a human life,” Ruiz said.