What do the colors of the beach flags mean? Note these colors

Keep an eye out for different colors

Are you wondering why there are colorful flags flying at the beach? Every swimmer and surfer should know about beach flag markings, as certain colors can signal danger.

It is often thought that the flags tell about dangerous weather conditions on the beach. However, it’s not just about dangerous weather, the color of the flag can also indicate dangerous currents, algae harmful to swimmers or jellyfish.

Warnings should be taken seriously: for example, in a popular tourist country like Thailand, life-threatening cube jellyfish can sometimes be encountered.

Beach ticket policies vary according to the dangers of each beach – for example, some beaches may have their own tickets for shark warnings. Sometimes additional instructions in text form are printed on the tickets, which should always be read.

However, these flag colors mean the same internationally, so remember them!

Green flag

The sea is calm, and there are hardly any waves or currents in the water. Swimming is safe with normal precautions.

Yellow flag

There may be currents in the water, but they are modest. If you feel your swimming skills are weak, be careful. You should also be careful when swimming with small children.

Red flag

A red beach flag always signals that you should not go swimming. It means either strong currents or dangerous weather. If you decide to go swimming, be very careful.

Two overlapping red flags

The beach is closed.

Purple flag

The purple flag indicates seafood that can cause minor injuries to humans. Jellyfish, rays, sea snakes or other sea creatures are in the water when the purple flag is flying. However, the flag does not tell about sharks, because then a red flag or two red flags are hung on the beach on top of each other.

Red yellow flag

Two flags with red and yellow stripes on top of each other signal that lifeguards are monitoring the area marked by the flags. The combination of flags often indicates a beach where beach surveillance works and swimming is safe if the swimmer stays in the area demarcated by the flags.

Black and white checkered flag

Black and white checkered flags can be used in pairs, and they indicate that the area marked by the flags is used by surfers and other non-motorized watercraft. In this case, swimming among surfers is at your own risk or prohibited.

To find a beach where surfing is prohibited, look for yellow flags with a black ball in the middle.

Orange cone

If, instead of a flag, an orange cone is hung on the tip of the flagpole, it indicates strong winds in the open sea. In this case, it is forbidden to use inflatable air mattresses and tires, as they may drift far from the beach in the wind.

What if the flag is blue?

Did you see the blue flag with a white circle with a wave design? It is a Blue Flag symbol, which is awarded to beaches, ports and tour operators for meeting environmental requirements.

In order to receive the Blue Flag, it is required to fulfill the criteria in respect of the environment, personnel training, safety and accessibility. On the beaches, this means, for example, that water quality, meeting environmental requirements and safety are at a commendable level.

>> Read also: What you should know about beach etiquette in Spain? Topless sun and 7 other attentions

Sources: Surfer Today, Usa Today, Blue Flag