Persons scuba diving, skin diving, snorkeling or underwater spearfishing
must display a diver down flag unless within 150 feet of shore.
A diver must stay within 150 feet of the flag. Unless there is
an emergency, a diver may not surface more than 50 feet from the
flag. It is unlawful to display a diver down flag when not diving.
Vessels not engaged in diving operations must stay at least 100
feet from any displayed diver down flag. The diver down flags are:
| Illustrations |
Types of Flags |
 |
Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag with a three-inch
white diagonal stripe. The flag must be at least 12 inches
high and 15 inches long, and mounted on a float or buoy to
be clearly visible. |
 |
Alfa Flag: A blue and white International Code Flag
A (or Alfa flag), flown from a vessel restricted in its ability
to maneuver. This flag indicates that a vessel is involved
in a diving activity. |
Divers should not place a flag in an area already occupied by
other boaters or where their diving operation will impede the normal
flow of waterway traffic.
Many local waterways in Wisconsin have specific equipment and
operational restrictions in addition to those covered in this chapter.
Be sure to check for local regulations before you go out.
The Wisconsin Historical Society has published information about
many historic shipwreck sites in Wisconsin waters, some of which
are marked by seasonal mooring buoys. Damaging or removing material
from a wreck site not only diminishes the enjoyment for future
visitors, it is also a crime that can result in fines, imprisonment
and the loss of a diver’s gear, boat, trailer and vehicle.
