Stay Safe On The Beach This Spring By Knowing What Beach Flags Mean

A beach is a popular place during the spring and summertime. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the fresh air, and spend quality, fun family time. Although all of that can change in an instant if you do not educate yourself on beach safety! Part of beach safety is knowing what the beach flags mean. They often indicate whether the water is safe to swim in, if marine life is present, and prevent water accidents from happening every day.

Green Means Go!

Just like a green light at a stop sign, the green flag means it is safe to swim with care. It indicates more clearly that the conditions and water are calm, and it is prime swimming time. This is the flag you want to see on your beach day. This flag is the best scenario and often leaves little worry when in the water.

Take Caution on Yellow

You are probably guessing these colors are coordinating with street signals. Well, you are right! Yellow means to take caution when entering the body of water. This flag hangs high when it is in normal conditions but serves as a reminder for swimmers to stay alert at all times. Swimming when it is a yellow flag is okay, but be sure you are practicing other water safety tips.

Beware of Purple

The purple flag is flown when there can be a possible problem with marine life. This is usually because jellyfish, Portuguese man-o-war, stingrays, or sharks are present. Remember, the water is their home, and when a swimmer enters their home it can be hazardous. Therefore, beware of the purple flag to stay out of danger.

Check on Orange

The orange flag is a rare one but will keep you safe. This flag often indicates an environmental problem. This is common when there is an air quality issue, water quality issue, or high heat index. This flag does not necessarily mean “go home.” But it does mean checking with the lifeguard to see if it is safe to stay!

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Danger on Red

Similar to the stoplight analogy we have used, red indicates danger. The most common use of this flag is when the water conditions are dangerous, such as, but not limited to, the presence of strong wind, strong current, or large surf. If this flag is flying, it doesn’t have to mean stay out of the water. It just means adults should not go further than waist-deep, and children and non-swimmers should stay along with the shore life.