This Is What The Different Beach Flag Colors Mean
A warm summer’s day is best spent at the beach, but lurking in the waters are some dangers such as strong rip tides and sharks. Thankfully, beaches use a flag color system to warn of these potential dangers and keep beachgoers safe.
But what exactly do those beach flags mean?
According to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) and the International Lifesaving Federation, beach flag colors indicate the following:
- Yellow: Medium hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents are present. Weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. Others should exercise enhanced care and caution.
- Red: High hazard. Rough conditions such as strong surf and/or currents are present. All swimmers are discouraged from entering the water.
- Double Red (two red flags on one flagpole): Water is closed to the public.
- Purple: Marine pests, such as jellyfish, stingrays, or other marine life (excluding sharks) which can cause minor injuries are present in the water.
- Red/Yellow (halved red over yellow): The area is protected by lifeguards.
- Black/White (quartered): These flags may be used in pairs spaced apart to indicate a designated area or zone along a beach or waterfront that is used by those with surfboards and other non-powered watercraft.
- Yellow flag with black circle: Surfboards and other non-powered watercraft are prohibited.
- Orange windsock: Indicates the direction of offshore winds and shows that it’s unsafe for inflatable objects to be used in the water.
- Red/White (quartered): Emergency evacuation. Swimmers should leave the water because of an emergency (such as dangerous marine creatures, the water is contaminated, or lifeguards need to perform a search of the water area).
Additionally, some beaches may choose to fly a green flag to indicate that the water is safe and ocean conditions are calm or mild. However, since the USLA states that “there is always a potential hazard present,” the International Life Saving Federation hasn’t fully adopted the use of the green flag.
It is important to note that though this is the flag system the United States Lifesaving Association has adopted and most beaches use it, some beaches may differ slightly. It’s always best to search for the flag system for the specific beach you’re at before going.
You can always check the status of NYC beaches by using this beach water quality map.
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