Nearly everyone enjoys a beach day, whether it’s swimming, splashing around, surfing the waves, or just soaking up some sun in the sand. Either way, beach safety is highly recommended. Fortunately, there are flags, like the purple flag, that convey important and possibly life-saving information.
Safety Signs Like the Purple Flag
The ocean is vast and powerful, teeming with life below the surface. As such, it’s an astonishingly dangerous environment. Particularly so, when people choose to ignore, or don’t know what warning signs or flags may mean. Here’s some clarity on signage at the beach, beginning with the purple flag.
The Purple Flag Means…
Often, the first thing that comes to mind when discussing beach safety is sharks. Additionally, many assume the purple flag’s meaning is tied to the infamous apex predator. However, the purple flag isn’t hung for that particular species. Rather, the USLSA (United States Lifesaving Association) recommends using a purple flag to warn beach goers about other dangerous species of marine life. For instance, although sightings are rare, the purple flag waves a warning against the Man-O-War Jellyfish, which release a rarely deadly-to-humans, but often unbearably painful sting.
The Purple Flag Means Marine Life
Alternately, the purple flag alerts of another marine life species that could be fatal, the stingray. While stingrays typically shy away from people they can inject venomous stings with their tails when they feel threatened. As such, the purple flag is a warning to beach goers to stay out of the water to avoid a painful, if not dangerous, wildlife encounter. Unsurprisingly, the purple flag isn’t the only sign used to communicate to beach goers about the current conditions.
Remembering Important Warnings
Those who spend most of their free time at the beach may be familiar with the purple flag, or other safety warnings. However, there are several to remember, and not everyone has the luxury of living by the coast. Therefore, it might be easier to try and remember “safe” versus “dangerous” signage over specific colors.
A Flag that Signals Safety
For instance, green flags or a yellow and red flag both equate to an overall enjoyable beach day, with little cause for concern. This is because a green flag, in reference to most things, is a sign that you may carry on with your plans or actions.
A Flag Representing a Present Lifeguard
Meanwhile, a half yellow and half red flag means there’s a lifeguard on duty, and being nearby is the safest place to be, but some beaches will have a requirement that swimmers stay close to the lifeguard. So, take a look at other signs or information that may be posted.
Danger or Closures
Subsequently, plain yellow flags mean medium danger so approach with the utmost caution. Meanwhile, red or double red flags signal highly dangerous conditions and in most cases, the beach will be closed to the public. These flags are often hung when waves are violent or winds are high. Furthermore, a red and white “quartered” flag means there’s an emergency evacuation and you must leave the water immediately. Lastly, the other flags should be memorized, depending on your preferred beach activities, to ensure proper safety for everyone involved.
Surfing Flag
For example, a black and white “quartered” flag means that it’s a designated surfing spot, according to Reader’s Digest. As such, swimmers should avoid the area.
Final Flags to Note
Another flag to be aware of is the yellow flag with a black ball. This means that non-powered watercraft activities such as surfing or windsurfing are not permitted.
Finally, an orange windsock flag means there are “offshore winds” and inflatable water crafts should not be used, according to LAPoint.
Safety First
Furthermore, beaches often have specific rules to follow and signs with those rules posted. While they’re generally easy to read and understand, it’s best to ask a lifeguard for clarity if you’re uncertain of what they mean.
Many people find solace and comfort at the beach but knowing safety practices, like the use of the purple flag, could be the difference between a rejuvenating and fun day or a painful, and possibly deadly, encounter with nature.
