Dive Flag Laws

[JBPearson]

FYI, here is the response I got from the DNR regarding the possibility of signs at public accesses...

Thank you for your question about a potential scuba diving awareness sign at public water access sites.  The laws regarding diver’s flags are found in many DNR publications including the Minnesota Boating Guide, Boating Safety Course manual, comic book, Lake Superior Guide, Buoy ID sticker, etc. These publications are readily available to the public.  The DNR supports education efforts that would help boaters become more aware of what the diver flag looks like and the laws associated with it, however we do not feel that signs are the answer.  Signs are costly to provide and maintain and work only if people take the time to read them.  A bigger challenge to informing boaters through the use of a sign is that only portions of the boaters on the lake use the public accesses, while the remaining are coming from private property. 


If there were a particular lake where diver flag awareness has been an issue the DNR would be willing to work with you on a press release to the local newspapers.  Also, it may be good for you and other concerned scuba divers to work with the local Lake Association or Lake Improvement District to educate boaters through their newsletters.  There may also be an opportunity to make boating enforcement officers aware of the lakes where divers are having problems with boaters so that education and enforcement efforts could be increased. 


Thanks again for your question and feel free to contact Tim Smalley, Boat and Water Safety Specialist at (651) 259-5354 or myself if you have any additional questions or concerns.



Nancy Stewart
Public Water Access and Fishing Pier Coordinator
Division of Trails and Waterways
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4052
(651) 259-5616
Fax: (651) 297-5475
nancy.stewart@dnr.state.mn.us