The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding everyone on the water to prioritize safety this summer. Boaters should maintain 360-degree awareness and respect divers-down flags, while divers should ensure their flags are properly displayed and adhere to distance regulations.
Divers-down flags and buoys are essential tools to alert boaters of divers in the water. These devices, featuring a red rectangle or square with a white diagonal stripe, must be visible whenever divers are submerged.
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“When navigating near a divers-down flag, boaters must operate at idle speed within 300 feet in open water or within 100 feet on rivers, inlets or navigational channels,” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “And divers need to stay within 300 feet of their properly displayed flags on open water and 100 feet on rivers, inlets or navigational channels.”
Specific size and visibility requirements apply to divers-down flags and buoys. Flags must be at least 12 x 12 inches when in the water and 20 x 24 inches on vessels, while buoys must display the symbol on all sides.
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“In the summertime there is a lot going on out there and these regulations are important for divers to remember whether they are diving for scallops in north Florida, lobster in south Florida or recreationally throughout the state,” said Col. Brian Smith, Director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “Vessel operators should be aware of what is going on around them at all times and be on the lookout for divers-down flags nearby. It’s also good to remember to take the dive flag down and wear a life jacket while underway. This is not just responsible boating and ensuring the safety of divers and the boating public – it’s also the law.”
By working together and following these guidelines, boaters and divers can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the water.
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