Marine Weather
Beach Flag Warning Guide: Red, Yellow, Purple, Double Red, and Water Hazards
A guide to beach warning flags, including surf risk, rip currents, dangerous marine life, and closed water conditions.
Quick answer: Beach flags communicate water hazards quickly, but exact meanings can vary by location, so local signs always matter.
Common colors
Green often means lower hazard, yellow means moderate hazard, red means high hazard, and double red can mean the water is closed.
Purple often warns about dangerous marine life.
Why flags change
Surf, rip currents, lightning, water quality, jellyfish, and local rescue conditions can change during the day.
A calm-looking beach can still have dangerous currents.
Smart beach routine
Check flags before entering the water, swim near lifeguards, and ask about local hazards.
Do not assume yesterday conditions apply today.