Whether you live close to the ocean or are visiting your favorite coastal destination, beach safety is crucial. Many public beaches have a warning flag system to alert visitors to possible danger. While not every flag represents an immediate threat (for example, a green flag actually signifies that the coast is clear), being aware of your surroundings is important for swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers alike.

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What Do the Flags Mean at the Beach?

The International Life Saving Federation uses beach warning flags on beaches with lifeguards who are trained to USLA standards. Flags help alert the public to the water conditions and any possible dangerous marine life, like sharks or jellyfish. The unique color system communicates different messages to beach visitors so they can make informed decisions while vacationing.

What Does a Red Flag Mean at the Beach? A Must-Know Warning

While there are numerous flag colors signifying different beach conditions, a red flag is one you should never ignore. It’s used to alert the public of hazardous conditions like rip currents and high surf. Here is a list of the types of red flags to look out for.

Red Flag: A red beach flag signifies high hazard. It means there are strong currents and rough surf conditions that pose a risk to public safety.

Double Red Flag: This one is hard to miss. A red over red flag acts as an order for everyone to evacuate the beach. The water is highly dangerous and closed to the public. So, if you didn't see the flag walking onto the sand, you probably noticed a too-good-to-be-true deserted shore, or dozens of families grabbing their beach-day spread and fleeing the scene.

White Flag with Shark Outline: This flag warns swimmers and casual beach-goers that a shark is close by, and swimmers should get out of the water immediately.

Red Pennant Flag: Currents, surf, and sharks aren't the only nautical dangers. The red pennant flag warns of hazardous conditions for small watercraft like sailboats and yachts caused by winds of at least 38 mph. It’s also raised when the ice in seas or lakes is potentially dangerous for small boats. When the red pennant flag is raised boaters should be diligent to wear a life jacket.

Double Red Pennant Flags: Often seen along the East Coast in states like Florida when the National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch, double red pennant flags tell those in and around the water that gale-force winds of 39 to 54 mph exist and may cause danger.

Red Flag with Black Square: The red flag with a black square indicates a tropical storm warning and winds of 55-73 mph.

Double Red Flag with Black Square: This flag indicates the presence of hurricane-force winds of 74+ mph.

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Other Beach Warning Flags: Stay Cautious in The Waters

While red flags indicate highly dangerous water conditions, these flag colors signify a medium hazard so beachgoers can exercise caution.

Yellow Flag: A mid-level hazard, the yellow flag signifies that moderate surf and currents exist, and weak swimmers should seek land.

Dark Blue Flag or Purple Flag: A purple, or dark blue, flag indicates there is potentially harmful marine life, like sea snakes, stingrays, and jellyfish, in the water.

Beach Flags for the Active Water Sports Enthusiasts

Active water sports enthusiasts must also follow the beach rules and monitor flags for the current conditions in the water.

Red Over Yellow Flag: The red over yellow flag specifically pertains to those who plan to swim or bodysurf. This flag combo signals that qualified lifeguards are on duty and closely watching those in the water.

Quartered Black and White Flag: A pair of these beach flags mark and designate a section of the water for use with only "non-powered" or "human-powered" watercraft.

Black Ball Flag: The black ball flag shows that surfboards and other non-powered watercraft are not permitted at this location.

Half White, Half Blue Cutout Flag: If you see these flags, divers are present in the area.

Red and Yellow Circle with a Black Whale Tail: Introduced in May 2018 to the Pacific Northwest, the Whale Warning Flag includes the red, yellow, and black symbol on a white background. It warns boaters, kayakers, and anyone in the water that whales are in the area and that they must keep their distance, as required by federal law.

Best Beach Flags for a Lazy Day of Nonstop Tanning

Green Flag: The ultimate beach day. The water is safe from winds, currents, and dangerous marine life.

Orange Windsock: Signaling the direction of offshore winds, the orange cone-shaped flag depicts where inflatable items should not be used.

Blue Flag with FEE Logo: Awarded to beaches that meet certain safety, environmental, and quality criteria as determined by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag displays three waves and wears the FEE acronym with pride. But that doesn't mean every beach without the flag is below these standards. Of the 73 member nations, the United States does not participate in FEE, so none of its beaches raise the esteemed Blue Flag.

FAQs on Beach Flag Colors and Their Meanings

Although a beach patrol may be present, knowing the meaning of the flag colors is an important safety tip for all beachgoers.

Where can you find warning signal flags?

You can find beach flags at every public beach and on all lifeguard towers.

What color flag means there are jellyfish present?

 A purple flag signifies that there’s dangerous marine life present, which can include jellyfish.

What other situations would a storm signal flag be flown?

Some sports teams, like the Carolina Hurricanes, use the storm signal flag, so it’s common to see them flying during sporting events.

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