Video - Diving Blue Springs, Manatee & Cave

[ricki]

Actually, they go beyond Florida Statutes and FAC at Blue Springs. I guess they have that option. The ranger specifically told me to swim away?! I asked before going in what the drill was, he said to stay 50 ft. away. Trouble is, the stream is about 30 ft. wide in places. He sort of shrugged when I brought that up. The guy was fairly civil about it. Someone else there told me they convinced the rangers to open the pool to people when the small stream fills up with a couple of hundred manatee in the cold months. What did we do in response? Understand people were jumping on manatee, using them as diving platforms, tried to tie rope on to their tails, etc.. Makes you wonder sometimes how we're still around as a species. Anyway, Blue Springs is a special case and a nice dive. Just get there before November 15, when they close it to divers and swimmers.

Actually I don't believe you are supposed to swim away.

The Fish and Wildlife people produce a rules video called "Manatee Manners" that says touching them with one hand is ok, such as scratching them, which they like, bit no holding on, no impeding, no blocking, etc.

[acelockco]

A few people were talking about Blue Springs on the dive boat the other day. They didn't mention the manatee there, but did say it was a really cool dive. I'll have to check it out.