Snorkel Safe

With scallop season under way, boaters should pay close attention to the state’s “diver down” rule. Less than one month after the state held its first “Dive Flag Awareness Week,” a Cross City man was killed after being struck by a boat near Steinhatchee.

Charles D. Sheppard, 50, was snorkeling southwest of Rocky Creek when the accident occurred, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The incident is still under investigation. Sheppard is the 23rd diver or snorkeler to be killed in Florida waters in the past five years.

Some of these deaths may have been prevented if the boat operator had a lookout on board. That is why the FWC is asking boaters and divers to remember the following:

The law requires that a vessel display a divers-down flag, which is red with a white diagonal stripe, whenever divers or snorkelers are in the water The flag must be at least 20 by 24 inches if displayed on a boat; at least 12 by 12 inches if towed on a float by the diver or snorkeler.

In open waters, vessels must make an effort to stay 300 feet from a divers-down flag.  In a river, channel or inlet the distance is 100 feet.  Vessels may operate within those distances, but at idle speed.

Terry Tomalin

Lobster season

Divers and snorkelers from all over the United States are heading to the Florida Keys for the special, two-day spiny lobster “sport” season.

This “bug” catching frenzy, which occurs every year on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, is designed to give recreational lobster hunters a chance to gather some of these tasty crustaceans before the commercial traps go in the water.

The regular lobster season begins Aug. 6 and runs through the end of March.

State and local law enforcement officers will be out in force for the two-day mini season. So be sure to follow all rules and regulations.

For the record, Florida spiny lobsters must have a carapace (body) length 3 inches or longer. Divers must carry a measuring tool. Lobsters must be measured in the water.

Bug hunters may keep up six lobsters per person daily in the waters of Monroe County and Biscayne National Park and 12 lobsters per person daily in other Florida waters. You may not possess more than the daily bag limit of lobsters when on the water. Off the water, you may possess the daily bag limit on the first day and double the daily bag limit on the second day.

Life jackets will keep you safe

A Florida man died this week after his 15-foot fishing boat struck a bridge piling in Choctawhatchee Bay.

Investigators with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said that William Moraga, a 71-year-old from Freeport, was thrown from the vessel. He was not wearing a personal flotation device.
Two passengers in the boat, Moraga’s 15-year-old granddaughter and a 73-year-old friend, were both injured in the accident. Neither was wearing a PFD.

According to the FWC, in an average year, roughly 80 percent of all boating-related deaths could be avoided if victims wore life jackets.

So before you head out on the water, make sure your PFDs are readily accessible. The only way to truly guarantee safety is to wear a PFD any time you are underway. Once you are in the water, a PFD is more difficult to put on. In most fatal accidents, boaters had PFDs on board, but they were not in use or were not within easy reach.

Make sure the PFD is the proper size for the person wearing it. Check the label before buying. It will give you a weight and chest size. This is especially important when it comes to children. To ensure a snug fit, pick the child up by the shoulders of the PFD. If you can still see the chin and ears, it fits.

Make sure your PFDs are maintained and in good condition. You can test the PFD's buoyancy in a swimming pool. Over time, the sun may break down the synthetic material in a PFD. Look for rips, tears, weak straps or zippers.

Free kid's fishing clinic

Want to do something to help save the planet? Take a kid fishing. That may seem like a stretch to some of you, but studies have shown that children who are brought up to respect and enjoy the outdoors, will most likely carry those ethics into adulthood.

If you don’t know how to get started, have no fear. Hook Kids On Fishing, a statewide organization that promotes youth oriented fishing clinics, will stop in Clearwater on Saturday, July 25.

The instructional event, scheduled for Big Pier 60, is low key and no pressure. All participants must pre-register with The Complete Angler, Florida’s only drive through bait shop, at (727) 441-2248 by Friday, July 24.
 
Then on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m., kids will learn water safety, how to tie knots, casting and catch and release techniques. Then from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the children will fish off The Pier with the help of experienced captains.

All participants will receive a new fishing pole and tackle box. This event is open to children between the ages of six and 16. Each participant must be accompanied by and adult.
 
This free event is made possible by the following sponsors: Sea Striker, Tackle Company, Aylesworth's Fish & Bait Inc., Anglers for Conservation, DOA Tackle Company, Diachi Hooks, D & R Tackle and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association.
 

Your outdoors questions answered

Times Outdoors Editor Terry Tomalin answered your questions about fishing, kayaking, skimboarding and more during a live chat this afternoon. Click the link below to replay the chat.