Boating Tips
Boatingmaps of Lee County
Below is an interactive version of the Lee County Boater's guide, Version 4.0. Clicking in each highlighted white box will show an enlarged, map of that area. Also, click on the Map Key for an enlarged view of the Key. Below this main overview map are links to other important information relating to boating in Lee County waters.
Tide Map of Lee Ccounty
Below is an interactive version of the Tide Charts. Also, click on the Map Key for the tide information in your area. The points are external Links and opens in a new window
Underwater Operations
All persons diving in Florida waters must display a divers-down flag. Diving means swimming at or below the surface of the water while equipped with a mask and snorkel, or any other underwater breathing apparatus. This flag must be at least 20" in height.
The Navigation Rules require vessels which are restricted in their ability to maneuver because of diving activity to exhibit a rigid Letter “A” flag. The “Alpha flag” must be rigid and at least 1 meter (3'3") in height. This flag is a navigational signal advertising only that the vessel’s maneuverability is restricted because of diving activity. It is displayed on the vessel in addition to, not in place of, the Florida divers-down flag.
Changes In rules Regarding Divers-down Flags in Florida
- The size of divers-down flags displayed on vessels has been increased from 12” x 12” to 20” to 24” and requires a stiffener to keep the flag unfurled. (Note: Dive flags carried on floats may still be 12” x 12”.)
- Dive flags on vessels must be displayed so that visibility to the flag is not obstructed.
- Vessel operators must make reasonable efforts to maintain a distance of 100 feet from any divers-down flag while on a river, inlet, or navigation channel; divers must make a reasonable effort to stay within 100 feet of the divers-down flag on rivers, inlets, or navigation channels and within 200 feet on all waters other than rivers, inlets, or navigation channels; vessel operators must make a reasonable effort to maintain a distance of 300 feet from vessels displaying dive flags on these waters.
- Vessels may approach within 100 feet or 300 feet of a divers-down flag at idle speed.
- “Buzzing” a dive flag has been added to the description of reckless operation of a vessel, which is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000.00 and/or up to 6 months in jail.
Vessel Control and Water Safety
Idle Speed
Lowest speed needed to maintain steering
Die niedrigste Geschwindigkeit, um das Boot auf Kurs zu halten
Idle Speed means the lowest speed at which a vessel can operate and maintain steering control. The actual speed will depend upon the design of the vessel and on the vessel’s load, wind direction and speed, and the sea conditions. Generally, it will be between 1 and 3 miles per hour for outboard and inboard/outboard vessels, between 2 and 5 miles per hour for fixed shaft/rudder vessels, and the minimum speed merely necessary to effectively traverse breaking water for personal watercraft. For a non-motor propelled vessel, idle speed means that speed necessary for steerageway.
Slow Speed
Settled in the water, not plowing, minimum wake
Das Boot ganz im Wasser, nicht das Wasser durchfurchen, minimales Kielwasser
"Slow Speed" means the speed at which a vessel proceeds when it is fully off plane and completely settled into the water, and not producing a wake that endangers other vessels under the existing circumstances.
A vessel in a slow speed zone:
(1) that is operating on a plane is not proceeding at slow speed;
(2) that is in the process of coming off plane and settling into the water which action creates more than no or minimum wake, is not proceeding at slow speed;
A vessel in a slow speed zone:
(1) that produces no wake or minimum wake is proceeding at slow speed;
(2) that is completely off plane and which has settled into the water is proceeding at slow speed.
Do Not Enter
Prohibido entrar
Entrée interdite
Keine Einfahrt
Resume Safe Speed
Reprendre vitesse normal
Fangen Sie eine sichere
Geschwindigkeit an
The following areas are hereby designated as Areas of Regulated Water Activity and Limits Boats To Idle Speed:
(1) All waters within 500 feet of the shoreline from all beaches whether or not so designated with appropriate signs; and
(2) All waters within 500 feet offshore from any water-oriented structure, whether or not designated for such purpose by appropriate signs; and
(3) Any area designated as an official “NO WAKE - IDLE SPEED ONLY” area which is so posted in such a manner and place that it may be reasonably expected to be seen and read by a person in operation of a vessel within the area.
- Ingress and egress to the beaches shall be perpendicular to the shoreline and parallel cruising of the shoreline is prohibited.
- Personal watercraft and jet boats are subject to the same Rules of Navigation required for all vessels.
- Boaters are always responsible for their wake and any damage caused by it.
