Diver Struck by Boat Off Sandy Point in Warwick
Thursday, July 02, 2020
RI DEM reported a diver struck this week off the coast in Warwick -- and his warning boaters when the red and white dive flag is up, to take heed. Photo: GoLocal file photo
According to DEM in a post on social media on June 30, the diver had the required dive flag posted -- and now DEM is asking boaters to follow all safety regulations.
DEM Message
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTATTN boaters: This week, a man diving for shellfish at Sandy Point off the coast of Warwick was struck by a boat. The diver was displaying the appropriate dive flag, red in color with a diagonal white stripe as shown in this photo. SCUBA, skin-diving and snorkeling are all common activities in Rhode Island waters.
This flag must be displayed to warn boaters of a divers’ presence under the water when participating in any of these activities. Boaters must maintain a safe distance of 50 feet from a dive flag. DEM asks boaters and divers to follow all safety regulations so that everyone can safely enjoy this season out on the water.
DEM's Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) has been offering Boating Safety Challenge Exams since May 30 in accordance with all RIDOH health and safety guidelines. According to DLE's Captain Criscione, as many as 100 people have been taking the exam on Saturdays at DEM HQs. Spaces fill up quickly and appointments must be made in advance.
For DEM’s online boating safety course, visit: https://www.boat-ed.com/rhodeisland/
For more information on DLE's Boating Safety Challenge Exams, visit: http://www.dem.ri.gov/safeboating
For the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s safety courses, visit: http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.php
For RI's dive flag statute, RI Gen L § 46-13-22 (2012) visit: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/…/TIT…/46-22/46-22-24.HTM
For more information on Rhode Island boating laws and regulations including the mandatory boating safety education requirement and certification process, please visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/safeboating or contact the Division of Law Enforcement at 401-222-2284.
