One of the most fun water activities is snorkeling. Without a doubt, families and friends of all ages have the opportunity to jump in the water and witness sea life below. I have snorkeled on numerous occasions and enjoy it every chance I get. However, snorkeling does come with risks, including being struck by passing vessels. For this reason, dive flags are hoisted to notify fellow boaters that swimmers are in the vicinity. So do you need a dive flag for snorkeling? Here is what you need to know about dive flags. 

What Is The Purpose Of A Dive Flag

Unquestionably, a dive flag is critical when snorkeling from a boat in open waters. If you intend to snorkel, you must keep a dive flag onboard to raise when you’re entering the water. 

Trust me; you won’t break the bank to purchase a dive flag online or at a marine supply store. For the most part, the flag will range between 15 and 20 dollars. 

The purpose of the flag is to inform fellow boaters that snorkelers are in the water surrounding the vessel. Most often, the vessel is either anchored on a reef or secured to a mooring ball compared to drifting. 

Dive flags are red in white in color; therefore, they are highly visible from afar. The flag is solid red, with the exception of one white line extending at an angle from the top left to the bottom right. 

Importantly, the flag must be elevated at the highest point, such as a radio antenna or tower. The purpose of flying the flag high is to make it more visible to boaters in the vicinity. 

What Precautions Must Be Taken When Snorkeling From A Boat

While the dive flag is essential, it is not the only component to remaining safe while snorkeling. It is important to understand that offshore waters over reefs have a substantial amount of current. I wouldn’t raise the flag and toss someone in the water without first understanding their abilities. 

Raise The Flag

Again, as mentioned before, the first and most important step is raising the dive flag. The flag warns boaters and keeps you compliant with the law. Be sure that the flag is well secured so it does not come free on windy days out on the water. 

Assess The Person’s Strength To Swim

Let’s face it, we all have different abilities when it comes to swimming. I personally am not an overly strong swimmer compared to my friends and family. 

Never allow someone to jump in the water as soon as the boat is secured and the flag is flying. In some situations, I recommend wearing a life jacket or inflatable snorkel vest that can be inflated and deflated. Importantly, there is no reason that kids can’t enjoy the reef below but put them in a life jacket to make the experience less taxing. 

I personally prefer to trail a dock line off the stern. The dock line is ideal for those who don’t want to venture away from the boat and swim. Instead, hold the line and gaze at the fish beneath the surface. 

Warn Everyone About Currents

I’ll admit, currents have caught me off guard when jumping into the water on snorkeling trips. 

Reefs have a substantial amount of current, and it can be seen by the waiving of fans and other marine life along the bottom. 

Importantly, warn everyone who intends to snorkel about currents. Failing to warn friends and family often results in panic as they become swept down current. I advise snorkelers to swim into the current compared to the current when the boat is secured in place. Rather than fighting the current to get back, you can drift as you have already battled the moving water. 

Again, when needed, toss a dock line over the stern and allow the snorkelers to grab ahold and see the life below. 

Put Limits In Place On How Far They Can Go

Every once in awhile, you will have an adventurous snorkeler who will push the limits. It should be noted that the further you venture from the boat, the higher your risk of being struck by a passing vessel. Unfortunately, people are killed every year as a result of being hit. 

For this reason, remain within 300 feet of the vessel at all times when snorkeling. Additionally, a spotter should remain on the boat to keep an eye on everyone in the water.  

So Do You Need A Dive Flag For Snorkeling?

Yes, you need a dive flag when snorkeling, but that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to safety. Without a doubt, you will need to follow a series of safety precautions when snorkeling from a boat. The experience is amazing and can be enjoyed by all. Keep everyone in the loop on the risks so nothing catches them by surprise.