It's the Law: On the Water

Diving Activities

Diver-Down Flag

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:

Divers Flag A rectangular red flag, at least 12 x 15 inches with a three-inch white diagonal stripe, mounted on a float or buoy to be clearly visible	Alfa Flag A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag), usually flown from a vessel and used on federally controlled waters

Diving Wisconsin’s Historic Shipwrecks

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.