What is the purpose of the dive flag?

The dive flag serves an essential safety purpose by indicating to boats that divers are in the water. When a dive flag is displayed, it alerts boat operators to remain vigilant and steer clear of the area to avoid potential accidents involving divers. This is critical for ensuring the safety of divers, as boats may not always see them or recognize that people are submerged just below the surface. Displaying the dive flag is a standard practice in recreational diving, as it helps create a safer diving environment and minimizes the risk of collisions.

The other options do not align with the primary function of the dive flag. For instance, attracting fish or marking specific diving spots does not relate to diver safety, while signaling for help, though important, is not the primary purpose of the dive flag itself. The focus remains on the flag's role in communicating the presence of divers to others on the water.