COLD LAKE – While it may be uncommon for boaters on Alberta lakes to see a universal diving flag on the water, knowing what it looks like and knowing how to respond to it could prevent loss of life or injury.
The red flag with a white dash across is a signal that divers are under the surface of the water. The flag is also a signal for boaters to keep space and pay attention to the surface of the water.
Cold Lake has become a popular destination for freshwater scuba diving in the province, but recent close calls that put divers at risk have caused the RCMP to remind boaters to keep an eye out for the diver down flag, and to respond accordingly.
“Over the last two years, the Lakeland SCUBA Society (LSS) has had three instances in Cold Lake, where boats have driven right next to a dive flag,” states Cold Lake RCMP.
Recommendations from Transport Canada state that boats should remain 100 metres (328 ft.) away from the flag in the event a diver has to emergency ascend for their safety.
LSS is a non-profit organization that coordinates social diving activities and raises awareness for the safety of scuba divers in the Lakeland area. The club has 25 members and is active in the community.
The group dives twice a week at various locations on Cold Lake. The dives take place on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Keeping an eye out for diving flags is the best way to ensure the safety of all recreational users of the lake.
“It is a criminal offence to interfere with a marine signal such as a ‘Diver Down Flag’. It is also an offence under the Small Vessel Regulations (SVR) or the Vessel Operations Restriction Regulations (VORR) to operate a boat in ‘a careless or unsafe manner in the area of divers’,” states Cold Lake RCMP.
A not so fun fact provided by LSS, is that the SCUBA flag safety distance is the most incorrectly answered question on the boater exam.
Police are also reminding the public about the importance of wearing a properly fitted personal floatation device, life jacket, and having the required Safety and Lifesaving Equipment on a vessel, when out on any lake.
For more information about what you need before heading out on the boat, check the Canadian Safe Boating Guide available on the Transport Canada Website.
