What do the beach flag colors warn about?

Know it before you get in the water. Look for the flag and follow the warnings.

What the colored flags mean:

• Double red flags: water is closed to public use.
• Red Flag – High Danger – High surf and/or strong currents, all swimmers are advised not to enter the water
• Yellow flag – Medium danger – Moderate surf and/or current, weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water.
• Green flag – Low danger – Calm conditions, be careful.
• Purple Flag – Dangerous Marine Life – There are jellyfish, stingrays or other marine life in the water that could cause minor injuries.
• Black flag – Extremely dangerous – Do not swim.

The absence of flags does not mean the water is safe. View the official surf zone forecasts and beach advisories.

Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist reporting on current issues in the Mid-Atlantic region.