Episode 3: Saving Long Island Dive Sites | Barry Lipsky & LIDA
Episode 3 of the Dive Long Island Podcast features Barry Lipsky, President of the Long Island Divers Association (LIDA), with over 50 years of diving experience.
From breathing off a double-hose regulator in a Bellmore pool in 1968 to leading efforts that preserved some of Long Island’s most important dive sites, Barry shares a lifetime of knowledge, stories, and impact.
We dive into:
- How diving started in the 1960s (before modern gear)
- The reality of early Long Island diving (no gauges, strong currents, low visibility)
- Barry’s experience diving and working in Key Largo
- The mindset and training behind public safety diving
- Restoring access to the HMS Culloden
- How LIDA helped save the Ponquogue Bridge after Hurricane Sandy
- Creating artificial reefs like the 12 Mile Reef
- Why local diving is more challenging, and more rewarding, than most people think
This episode is a must-watch for divers, ocean lovers, and anyone interested in preserving access to the underwater world right here on Long Island.
🤝 Connect with LIDA:
🌐 www.lidaonline.com
Instagram: @LIDA501c
Facebook: Long Island Divers Association
Special thanks to Mike Salvarezza and Chris Weaver of Eco-Photo Explorers for contributing their media of the HMS Culloden, Old Ponquogue Bridge, and Secret Beach.
🌐 https://ecophotoexplorers.com/
Theme music by Lauren Scanlon
📩 Contact / Sponsorships / Guest Ideas:
infodivelongisland@gmail.com
🎧Listen on YouTube or Spotify
📸 Follow along:
Instagram: @DiveLongIsland
Facebook: Dive Long Island
Find the Transcript for this episode at the link below:
00:00 Welcome to Dive Long Island
00:43 Meet Barry Lipsky (50+ Years of Diving)
02:05 First Breath Underwater – 1960s Diving
04:15 Learning to Dive Without Modern Gear
07:35 Early Long Island Diving & Local Conditions
10:20 From Local Diver to Florida Divemaster
13:40 Freediving, Confidence & Leadership
17:10 Teaching, Construction & Life Beyond Diving
20:50 Inside Public Safety Diving (What It’s Really Like)
25:30 Blackwater Diving & High-Stress Environments
29:10 How LIDA Protects Long Island Dive Sites
32:45 Restoring Access to the HMS Culloden
36:30 The Fight to Save Ponquogue Bridge
42:10 Why This Dive Site Matters So Much
45:50 Reopening Secret Beach for Divers
49:10 Building the 12 Mile Reef Offshore
53:20 How Artificial Reefs Transform Marine Life
57:10 Where His Passion for Access Comes From
1:00:30 Liveaboard Safety & Educating Divers
1:05:10 Why He Still Loves Diving After 50 Years
1:08:40 Favorite Long Island Dive Sites
1:11:50 What He’s Most Proud Of
1:14:00 How to Get Involved with LIDA
1:15:30 Closing Thoughts – See You Between Dives