chrpai
Contributor
SMBs should never be used instead of a dive flag. Ever. However, if you lose the flagman or get blown off of the reef or wreck (like here in the Keys), they are far, far better than nothing.
The only time I ever see (towed) dive flags in Lake Travis is in O/W classes inside of the dive park that typically has no boat traffic. After that, nope, never.
BTW, I think it was misunderstood what I use an SMB for and what other procedures I follow... I don't want to have a haircut so trust me... I'm doing fine.