Beach flags can save your life; what to know about the colors

Maria Francis, USA TODAY NETWORK
·1 min read

Whether it's summer vacationing or just seeking relief from the blazing heat wave in the Northeast, people are headed to the beach. But the ocean is anything but predictable, with rip currents and strong waves or jellyfish and sharks.

According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, beach flags and their designated meanings were created to help inform people of just that. Many of these flags are also used around the world.

This week, rough surf and rip tides are already claiming lives along the East Coast and elsewhere in the country.

As more people are heading to the shore to beat the heat, here's what you need to know before going in the water.

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

What the color flags signify:

  • Double Red Flags - Water is Closed to Public use.

  • Red Flag - High Hazard - High surf and/or strong currents, all swimmers are discouraged from entering the water

  • Yellow Flag - Medium Hazard - Moderate surf and/or currents, weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water.

  • Green Flag - Low Hazard - Calm conditions, exercise caution.

  • Purple Flag - Dangerous Marine Life - Jellyfish, stingrays, or other marine life which can cause minor injuries are present in the water.

  • Black Flag - Extremely Dangerous - Do not swim.

Absence of flags does not mean water is safe, check official surf zone forecasts and beach advisories.

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

This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: What do the beach flag colors mean or warn you about?