Beach Flags
Florida Beach Flags and their meanings.
My family and I love the beach. We enjoy the sun, water; the kids love building sandcastles, jumping over waves, and chasing the seagulls who always seem to be waiting for someone to drop a chip from their lunch. Since my kids are getting older and enjoying the water more, I’ve noticed myself staying closer to a lifeguard stand and paying more attention to the flags flying by the boardwalks telling all beachgoers how the tides are for the day.
We visited in October, which is towards the end of the hurricane season. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November in the Atlantic Ocean and makes the calmest of waters unsafe to swim. The yellow flag was flying for most of our trip, meaning there is an undertow, so proceed with caution into the water. I also noticed a purple flag flying this trip. I asked one of the lifeguards on duty which marine animal was gracing the seas and was a potential threat. It turns out jellyfish were swimming through the shallower water since the weather was stirring the waters below.
Had I not noticed the purple flag had kept the likelihood of anyone in my family from getting stung? Maybe, maybe not, but what it did was keep me more vigilant looking for items on the beach other than shells, sharks teeth, and crabs. Did noticing the yellow flag alerting me of the undertow keep my kids safer? Absolutely. They stayed closer to shore and played more in tide pools rather than swimming in the shallows of the ocean.
Before kids, I rarely checked the flags flying by the boardwalks. Since I would only go into the water cool off, no more than about knee-deep, I would only take precautions if I saw a purple flag flying on the pole. However, during our last beach trip, I took some time to explain the different colors to my son and why they fly the other flags each day. It was a great learning experience and one I hope he remembers.
In hopes of keeping others safe, below are the different beach flags and means for Florida beaches. If you are traveling to other states or countries, I will encourage you to check the beach flags’ meaning before enjoying a day in the sun.
Green: Low hazard. Safe to swim
Yellow: Medium Hazard. Take precautions when entering the water.
Red: High hazard. Not safe to swim.
Double Red: Water is closed to the public.
Purple: Dangerous Marine life in the area.
23 Comments
Michelle Hoad
This is great information. Too many people ignore these warnings, or are just ignorant of their meanings.
Carey M
I’m glad you liked the post.
Robyn Jones
I thought this article was going to be about different Florida beaches to visit. 😯 Anyway, I would hope that the colors are universal but thank you for mentioning that because I live in Southern California and go to the beach a lot. As for the purple flag, I have an experience with going in a Florida Beach with a friend without noticing it. We were both stung by man-o-wars, which I think are another name for jellyfish. It was definitely a learning experience. 😢
Carey M
Different beaches in FLorida is a grat idea for a new post. Most of the colors are the same for beaches in the US, however, some beaches have spacific flags just for that beach. I’m so sorry you were stung. I have been stung as well, in Florida and Mexico, so I know it didn’t feel well. I hope this post brings more awareness to beach goes.
Stacy
I never knew the purple meant that.
Taquia
Great information! There are so many people in my area that ignore the warnings.
Pam
Very interesting – I never actually gave this much thought, but I can see how important it is! Thanks for sharing.
alison netzer
So many people do not realize the significance of a beach flag. So important to be educated on this as the ocean can be a wonderful, but sometimes dangerous place.
Leeanne
It’s so important to know what the different flags stand for. Growing up on the water and now living near it means my kids have learned as well. I’m glad for that.
Casandra
This is great information. As someone who lives inland I wasn’t aware of the meaning of the flags.
Lisa Manderino
I did not know what the flags meant. Now I know I will be paying more attention next time I go to a beach.
Leigh
Great to know! With kids just getting big enough to really enjoy the water, and living near Florida, that is great info. Thanks for posting!
kmf
This is such great information! I was aware of the red, yellow and green, but did not know the meaning behind the double red and purple flag.
Barbara
Great info! All should pay attention!
Cynthia Mailhot
I would be looking out for that purple one! Thanks for explaining. We just don’t see a lot of that in Maine.
Cindy Moore
I had no idea what the different flag colors mean. Now I know! So helpful.
Vessy Smith
Woow! This is great to know! Frankly, I had absolutely NO idea there were this many different flags! Thanks! 🙂
Missy
Understanding the flag colors is important. Purple would not be good due to the danger.
Chantelle
We actually learned this in Florida! We didn’t know but got to a beach with a purple and red flag and had to look it up! We will have to save your post for reference!
Heather
Such an informative article. We hear so many stories of people being swept away due to rip currents here. Thanks for sharing.
Michele
Great information. I am one that has always been overly paranoid by the warnings.
Sara
Great info! Safety is always so important
Charlie
Great information. The beach is so much fun, and some safety tips are very helpful. Nice pictures with the flags and the signs.