What is the appearance of a dive flag as recognized by state and federal regulations?

The dive flag, as recognized by state and federal regulations, is characterized by a red flag featuring a white diagonal stripe that runs from the upper left to the lower right corner. This distinctive design is often referred to as the "diver down flag" and serves as a critical safety signal in waters where divers are present. The red portion of the flag signifies the need for caution, indicating that divers are in the water.

In contrast, the other options do not meet the specific requirements outlined for dive flags. A red cross on a white background is more commonly associated with medical services (the Red Cross), while a white rectangle with a blue background does not represent any diving signal. The blue striped flag with a white circle is distinctively known as the International Code flag "A," which indicates that a vessel has a diver down and should proceed with caution, but it is not the dive flag itself.

Understanding the specific design of the dive flag is essential for safe boating practices to ensure that divers are adequately warned and that vessels take precautionary measures when operating in proximity to dive sites.