S. Florida operation aims to protect divers

[Capt Scotty]

Florida is finally making a step in the right direction....

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-diver-flags-20120518,0,197807.story

Law enforcement officers will embark on an operation to protect South Florida divers and snorkelers this weekend, issuing tickets to boaters who come too close to dive flags.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will lead Operation Wave the Flag on Saturday and Sunday in Broward, Miami (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/miami-dade-county/miami-%28miami-dade-florida%29-PLGEO100100408120000.topic)-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/palm-beach-county/palm-beach-%28palm-beach-florida%29-PLGEO100100412160000.topic) counties. Using radar, they will measure the distance between boaters and divers, pursuing any violators.
The law requires boaters to make a reasonable effort to stay at least 300 feet from divers-down flags in open water and 100 feet in rivers and other confined areas. Any boats approaching closer must do so at idle speed.

[SnorkelLA]

That's great to hear! Unfortunately I won't be in FL till July, I can't tell you how many Sea Doos and boaters came within 50 feet of me when I was diving/snorkelling the Perdido Bay Bridge or jetties while towing a dive flag. It's almost as though they think they can't affect us when we're 40ft below the surface! Even if the effect is minimal, it's still dangerous