Blue Heron Bridge Trolls

[Arubandi07]

I wonder if they have quotas like in NYC

Wanna bet??

---------- Post added December 8th, 2013 at 09:30 PM ----------

BTW, does the dive flag stuff also apply to 'snorkelers', such as myself?

 

[JahJahwarrior]

How did the diver get separated from the group? How many dive flags did you have for your group of 30? If I got a ticket for not having a flag, and I knew I had gotten separated and was not within the legal limit for dive flag laws, I'd pay the ticket, even if I managed to find some other divers to surface with. If you broke the law, pay the ticket. If you believe you didn't beak the law, fight the ticket.

Why not carry a dive flag? On state waters, it's the law, and it's a darn good one, even if it's not enforced enough. If we fight to get it enforced, then we don't carry flags... will we end up with LEO on our side? I don't see why people complain about carrying a flag at BHB. I drag a bulky camera around with a flag, and it's really not a hassle.

 

[rickthompson]

Within our group we had five smaller groups of 6 divers each. Each of the five smaller groups had a flag. In addition to us, there was probably at least 6-8 other flags in the water under the bridge. Regulars, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you must be within 100ft of a dive flag since BHB would be considered part of a navigational channel. The total length of the bridge "dive site" is 400ft. The diver was returning from diving under the bridge, to the "ramp" entrance to the water. When she got into the shallowest portion under the bridge, the visibility was reduced and the effects of the tide more pronounced. This was the diver's first time at BHB, and she was a relatively new diver (20-30 logged dives). An argument can be made that she was lacking in buddy awareness skills, since she was then separated from the group she was with, and swam maybe ~100ft to the exit while staying within eyeshot of another group of divers. So unless anyone thinks the viz was 100ft+, she remained within 100ft of a dive flag.

@JahJahwarrior. Are you suggesting each diver carry their own flag? I don't think that would be too reasonable at BHB with 30 divers. I'm not at all complaining about carrying a flag around. It was unfortunate that this diver got separated from the group, but I'm confident that she remained within 100ft of several nearby flag as she immediately made her way to the exit upon being unable to locate her buddy. I completely support the use of a dive flag. I just wish LEOs would enforce boaters staying clear of divers/flags instead of bullying divers.

To give everyone a little scale, here is a image of BHB with a circle of 100ft radius. With a couple dozen divers in the water on a busy Saturday, I'm fairly confident I was probably within 100ft of 3-4 flags during most points of my dive.

 

[rickthompson]

@Arubandi07 dive flags are required for snorkelers as well

 

[Arubandi07]

Thanks, Rick.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

yes flags are required out side of the swimming area.

Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

 

[bilsant]

I just wish LEOs would enforce boaters staying clear of divers/flags instead of bullying divers.

I'm with ya a hundred percent on that one and share your outrage...like you, I also wish that law enforcement only applied their efforts to everyone else instead of me and my friends.

Still curious about what actual statute is on the citation....

---------- Post added December 9th, 2013 at 10:44 AM ----------

Do you think perhaps there's a boater somewhere saying "I just wish LEOs would enforce divers having a flag instead of bullying boaters?"

 

[Arubandi07]

yes flags are required out side of the swimming area.

Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

Which buoys demarcate the 'swimming area'?

 

[rickthompson]

It's my understanding that a flag is required for all snorkeling (at least at BHB). I believe the law requires a flag for all "divers". A "diver" is defined as anyone with a underwater breathing apparatus OR a snorkel that allows the diver to remain submerged or partially submerged in the water.


http://www.dive-flag.com/Florida.html

 

[blauvelt]

It's my understanding that a flag is required for all snorkeling (at least at BHB). I believe the law requires a flag for all "divers". A "diver" is defined as anyone with a underwater breathing apparatus OR a snorkel that allows the diver to remain submerged or partially submerged in the water.


Florida Dive Flags

If you're snorkeling in the guarded area or the areas marked for swimming than you don't need the flag.

---------- Post added December 9th, 2013 at 12:37 PM ----------

"Which buoys demarcate the 'swimming area'?"

The ones that are marked " swimming area"