Beach flags and their meaning
Lifeguards use a fixed system of coloured flags on the beach. They show where it is safe to swim and warn of danger. Here is what each flag means.
Red and yellow flag
Marks the supervised swimming zone. Between two red-and-yellow flags the lifeguards keep watch. Swimming within this area is safest.
Red flag
No swimming. Conditions are life-threatening, for example due to strong currents or high waves. Do not enter the water.
Yellow flag
Dangerous conditions. Inflatable boats and air beds are not allowed, usually because of offshore wind that quickly carries floating objects out to sea. Swimming is still possible, but caution is advised.
Black and white chequered flag
A zone for water sports such as surfing and paddleboarding. Swimming is not allowed here, to avoid collisions with boards and sails.
Purple flag
Dangerous marine life in the water, such as jellyfish. The flag is sometimes raised together with the red or yellow flag.
Swim between the flags
The red-and-yellow flags mark off the supervised part of the beach. Within that zone lifeguards watch swimmers and help is closest at hand. Outside the flags there is no supervision.
Beware of offshore wind
Offshore wind blows from the beach out to sea. The water surface then looks calm, but inflatable boats and air beds are carried far out unnoticed. Offshore wind is signalled by the yellow flag; leave floating toys on the beach at such times.
Not to be confused: the Blue Flag
The Blue Flag is not a warning flag but an international award for clean, safe beaches with good facilities. See which seaside resorts hold a Blue Flag.
The beach flags and their meaning may vary slightly from beach to beach. Always follow the instructions of the lifeguards on site.