Glossary
Beach warning flags
Colored flags that show water conditions where they are used. Meanings vary, and no flag doesn't mean safe.
Beach warning flags are colored flags, often posted on or near a lifeguard stand, that show how dangerous the water is that day. Not every beach uses them, and their meaning can vary from place to place, so read the signs at the beach entrance, the National Weather Service (opens in a new tab) says.
A common key, as described by the NWS in Tallahassee (opens in a new tab):
- Double red: the water is closed to the public, and you could be fined or arrested for going in.
- Red: high hazard, with high surf or strong currents.
- Yellow: medium hazard, with moderate surf or currents.
- Green: low hazard and calm conditions, but still use caution.
- Purple: dangerous marine life may be present; it can fly with other flags.
Two rules matter most: the absence of flags does not mean the water is safe, and the flags only help if you follow them. Ask the lifeguard what today's flag means at that beach. At New York City beaches, closed sections are marked with signs or red flags (NYC Parks (opens in a new tab)). See what each flag means, the Beach warning flags decoder decoder and the Know the beach flags infographic.
What you can do today: quiz your family on the flag colors before your next beach day.