In the North Carolina beaches and around the world there are colored flags that give indications about the danger of the sea for the safety of bathers.
For decades, lifeguard agencies have used these flags to notify swimmers of water conditions, warn of dangers, identify safer areas for swimming, and mark regulated zones.
“Several beach flags were approved by the International Lifesaving Federation many years ago to ensure consistency around the world. The beauty of flags is that they transcend language,” explained Chris Brewster, chairman of the National Certification Committee for the American Lifesaving Association (USLA, for its acronym in English), to Enlace Latino NC .
These flags are only used on beaches where there are lifeguards trained to USLA standards.
And although flags do not replace properly trained and equipped rescuers, they are an essential tool for their work.
Flag colors on the beach: definition
Yellow
Medium danger. There is presence of moderate waves and/or currents. Weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. For others, greater care and caution is recommended.
Red
High danger. Adverse conditions such as strong waves and/or currents. Swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. Those who enter must be very careful.
double red
The water is closed to public use.
Bandera purple
Presence of marine pests such as jellyfish or rays. It does not indicate the presence of sharks.
Red/yellow (half red on yellow)
Area protected by lifeguards. These flags can be used in pairs to indicate an area closely guarded or patrolled by qualified lifeguards.
Black/white (barracks)
Area for non-motorized vessels such as surfboards.
Yellow flag with central black ball
The use of non-motorized boats is prohibited.
Orange windsock
It indicates the direction of the winds at sea and notes that it is dangerous to use inflatable objects in the water.
Red/white (barracks)
Emergency evacuation. Swimmers must exit the water due to an emergency.
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Beyond the warning flags
The limitation of flags, signs, and other messages is that people may not read them, pay attention to them, or even notice them.
They are part of an overall strategy to report and prevent accidents, but in no way guarantee safety.
“And of course, flags and signs cannot rescue people in danger. That's why we encourage everyone to swim near a lifeguard “Brewster said.
That's why the flags "should only be used as a complement by lifeguards on the beaches where they are on duty, not as a standalone safety effort."
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Understand the meaning of the color of the flags on the beach
It is important for beachgoers to understand the meaning of these flags because they indicate the level of danger on a given day.
“A person with limited open water swimming skills should probably not swim when a yellow flag is flying, and in general, no one should swim when a red flag is flying.”
At the same time, on a beach with lifeguards present, the best strategy is to consult with these professionals before swimming about local and current dangers, and the best place to swim.
“Relying solely on flags is unwise,” Brewster concluded.
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Beach rescue and drowning data
According to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), the probability that a person will die from drowning on a beach protected by lifeguards is 1 in 18 million.
In 2023, national incident statistics reported by the USLA show significant numbers.
The beaches received an impressive attendance of 292,660,342 people. Of these visitors, 64,578 were rescued thanks to the intervention of lifeguards.
However, 104 drownings were reported in unmonitored areas, while in monitored areas, the number was considerably reduced to 16. In addition, 8,481 missing people were found and assisted, 9,323,014 preventive actions were carried out and 243,320 were provided. medical assistance.
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Beach safety tips
To ensure safety on the beaches, it is essential to follow certain advice provided by the International Lifesaving Federation:
- Check water conditions before entering
- Swim at beaches patrolled by lifeguards
- Swim with a friend
- Never swim after consuming alcohol
These tips are essential to prevent accidents and save lives.
"Swimming near a lifeguard "
The limitation of flags, signs, and other messages is that people may not read them, pay attention to them, or even notice them.
So they are part of an overall strategy to inform people and improve safety.
“They in no way guarantee safety. And of course, flags and signs can't rescue people in danger. That's why we encourage everyone to swim near a lifeguard “Brewster said.
That's why the flags "should only be used as a complement by lifeguards on the beaches where they are on duty, not as a standalone safety effort."
How to judge danger levels
Among other things, selecting the appropriate flag requires on-site personnel with complete knowledge of how to judge danger levels.
It is important for beachgoers to understand the meaning of these flags because they indicate the level of danger on a given day.
At the same time, on a beach with lifeguards present, the best strategy is to consult with lifeguards before swimming about local and current dangers, and the best place to swim.
“Relying solely on flags is unwise,” Brewster concluded.
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