What do those beach flags mean?

When you go to the beach one thing you should always do before you enter the water is make sure that you locate the beach flag and see what color it is.  One thing I have noticed is that many people do not understand the colors of the beach flags and what they mean.  In 2019 there have many deaths in rip currents and rough surf that have occurred during double red flag days.  Another resource I have found is the National Weather Service’s weekly Surf Forecast.  You can check before heading to the beach, which identifies the beach’s flag color and gives a description of the rip risk.  [LINK BELOW and on our HOME PAGE]

There are actually 8 different types of beach flags, though growing up the gulf coast I only knew of 5 (Green, Yellow, Red, Double Red, and Purple).

Green Flag:  Safe water conditions, surf and currents are low risk.  All swimmers are allowed.

Yellow Flag:  Moderate surf and/or rip currents are present.  Weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water.  For others, enhanced care and caution should be exercised.  During yellow flags, rip currents may and usually are still be present but are believed to be weaker than on red flag days.  Reece and I entered the water to cool off on a yellow flag day with low surf.  Just remember that just because the flags are yellow does not mean the water is safe!

Red Flag:  Rough water conditions, strong surf and rip currents are present.  ALL swimmers are discouraged from entering the water.

Red over Red (aka Double Red Flags):  The water is closed and public use is not permitted.  This flag is also used to indicate that there are sharks in the areas.  You are not allowed to enter the water and in some cities entering the water can result in fines and/or your arrest.

Purple Flag:  This seems to be the only flag that everyone pays attention to!  It means that dangerous marine life are present.  Ever since Jaws and the media’s attention to sharks and shark attacks, everyone is weary of the purple flag!  On average there are only 16 shark attacks in the US every year compared to >60,000 rip current rescues.  Too bad the media doesn’t do as good of a job reporting rip currents! Interestingly enough…the purple flag is often not used to indicate the presence of sharks! Most beaches will hoist a double red flag to close the beach if dangerous sharks are nearby.  Purple flags usually indicates the presence of other marine life such as jelly fish, stingrays, sea snakes, etc.  Beaches that have frequent shark visits may use a purple flag with a shark emblem.

Red over Yellow:  A red flag flying over a yellow flag means the area is protected by lifeguards and it is recommended to only swim in that area under the supervision of a life guard.

Black checkerboard: These indicate an area designated for surboards and other non-powered watercraft.  Probably a good place for swimmers to stay out of!

Yellow flag with black circle:  indicates that surfers are not allowed

Orange Windsock Flag:  Indicate high winds and inflatable objects should not be used.