If you are new to this topic...
For the last 2 years divers in Florida a small group of divers have been working to elevate the level of dive flag awareness in order to prevent accidents and injuries to divers. In light of the recent accidents this winter, it seems to have been of limited success, but it also now seems perched to take off in the right direction.
One goal is to get enough signatures in support of a Dive Flag Awareness week, where the FWC will enforce violations as they have in Broward County the last 2 years, and petition the Governor to make the program annual and state wide.
Another goal is to educate boaters and divers of the infractions that are occurring, because there are many being committed regularly by both sides of this issue. It's the intention of this growing group of divers to add more information to forums like this one, distribute flyers, stickers and solicit signatures at boat ramps & marinas. January 31st was the first boat ramp drive, and there will be many more this year.
We will be working boat shows and dive shows as well, like the "The Blue Wild" this past weekend in Ft Lauderdale, which Rob Murphy also attended. We don't have a total yet but I know I've got a hand-full of petitions that the show generated.
For now divers... if you have yet to sign the petition for Dive Flag Awareness (DFA) please sign one now! See below.
You can do that on-line here: Dive Flag Awareness http://http://www.floridaskindiver.com/Dive Flag Awareness.htm
Until more history can be posted here, you will find much of it linked fom my DFA page above.
New information and how you can get involved will be posted here in the future.
Thanks, Chad
Thanks again to Pete for all you are doing for the cause!
Capt & Instructor Chad Carney
727-423-7775
Florida Skin Diver
For the last 2 years divers in Florida a small group of divers have been working to elevate the level of dive flag awareness in order to prevent accidents and injuries to divers. In light of the recent accidents this winter, it seems to have been of limited success, but it also now seems perched to take off in the right direction.
One goal is to get enough signatures in support of a Dive Flag Awareness week, where the FWC will enforce violations as they have in Broward County the last 2 years, and petition the Governor to make the program annual and state wide.
Another goal is to educate boaters and divers of the infractions that are occurring, because there are many being committed regularly by both sides of this issue. It's the intention of this growing group of divers to add more information to forums like this one, distribute flyers, stickers and solicit signatures at boat ramps & marinas. January 31st was the first boat ramp drive, and there will be many more this year.
We will be working boat shows and dive shows as well, like the "The Blue Wild" this past weekend in Ft Lauderdale, which Rob Murphy also attended. We don't have a total yet but I know I've got a hand-full of petitions that the show generated.
For now divers... if you have yet to sign the petition for Dive Flag Awareness (DFA) please sign one now! See below.
You can do that on-line here: Dive Flag Awareness http://http://www.floridaskindiver.com/Dive Flag Awareness.htm
Until more history can be posted here, you will find much of it linked fom my DFA page above.
New information and how you can get involved will be posted here in the future.
Thanks, Chad
Thanks again to Pete for all you are doing for the cause!
Capt & Instructor Chad Carney
727-423-7775
Florida Skin Diver
