What is the Meaning of the Beach Flag Colors?
A day at the beach can be a fun and enjoyable experience, but it’s important to stay safe while you’re out there. Beach flags are used to communicate meaningful information about water conditions and safety to beachgoers. It’s necessary to know what these flags mean so you can stay safe and enjoy your day at the beach and keep your family safe during your visit.
Red Flag: Danger (High Hazard) 🟥
A red flag means that the water is too dangerous to swim in. This could be due to high surf, strong currents, or other hazards. It’s crucial to stay out of the water when a red flag is flying.
Double Red Flag: (Extreme Hazard) 🟥 🟥
When the double red flags are flying the water is closed to the public. Absolutely no entering the water at this time. Lifeguards will be present and monitoring conditions and making sure people stay out of the water.
Yellow Flag: Caution (Medium Hazard) 🟨
A yellow flag means that there are potential hazards in the water, such as strong currents or moderate surf. Swimmers should use caution when entering the water and stay close to shore.
Green Flag: Safe (Low Hazard) 🟩
A green flag means that the water is safe for swimming. However, it’s still essential to use caution and be aware of any potential hazards.
Purple Flag: Marine Life 🟪
A purple flag means that there is a high presence of marine life, such as jellyfish, in the water. Swimmers should use caution and stay alert for any signs of marine life. Purple can also be used in context with other flags to indicate marine life conditions.
Check the flags regularly!
Beach flags are updated regularly throughout the day to reflect changes in water conditions. It’s important to check the flags regularly and pay attention to any changes that may occur. If the flag changes to red, leave the water immediately.
Other Safety Tips
Always swim with a buddy or in a group.
Never swim alone, especially at night.
Stay close to shore and within your depth level.
Avoid swimming in areas with high surf, waves, or strong currents.
Be aware of any signs of rip currents or undertows.
If you’re caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of it.
Beach flags are an important safety tool that can help you stay safe while enjoying your day at the beach. Remember to always pay attention to the flags, swim with a buddy, and follow other safety tips to ensure a fun and safe day in the sun!