When you see a red flag with a white diagonal stripe you must

 Make an effort to stay at least 300 feet away from an open water diving flag.

You must tow a float or float where a flag is displayed, according to Florida Ship Safety Status 327,331. The purpose of the law is to keep water safe for both divers and boats. Divers should stay close to the flags and sailors should try to stay away.

answer; not counted as an offense known to the police;

answer; the automatic system because it is a "gut reactor"