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Not much to add. I like the suggestion to try to buddy with more experienced divers--particularly those with Rescue Certification. But this is not always possible, as was the case with myself. I would advise student divers to do this.
I too had a dive flag "event" (yes, they can get very tangled in your equipment if you're not careful--I hate them). In Rhode Island on my 25th dive, the buddy was the leader towing the flag. Long surface swim (NOT like yours, which I would never do, even if I were a lot younger than 63). I cramped up. He was too far ahead for contact (and underwater as well). I get to the closest "exit"--large sloping rocks with much surge (and cramping). Took the scuba unit off (only time I can recall ever doing this) and shoved it up the rocks. I was then able to scramble up myself. Moral to the story: Stay REAL close to your buddy.
I too had a dive flag "event" (yes, they can get very tangled in your equipment if you're not careful--I hate them). In Rhode Island on my 25th dive, the buddy was the leader towing the flag. Long surface swim (NOT like yours, which I would never do, even if I were a lot younger than 63). I cramped up. He was too far ahead for contact (and underwater as well). I get to the closest "exit"--large sloping rocks with much surge (and cramping). Took the scuba unit off (only time I can recall ever doing this) and shoved it up the rocks. I was then able to scramble up myself. Moral to the story: Stay REAL close to your buddy.