Definition of Beach-Sea Flags

Since the 1960s, the beaches of Europe and America began to be the tourist attraction par excellence. Thousands of tourists moved to the beaches to enjoy the sun, sand and sea.

Despite the undeniable appeal of the beach, it is a place with certain risks for bathers: waves, thunderstorms or jellyfish. In this way, in order to offer safer and more attractive beaches, the states and municipalities of practically the whole world created a coding from flags that reported the state of the sea.

What rule Generally, those in charge of putting up these flags are the lifeguards on the beach, who are informed about the weather conditions.

There are two coding systems with respect to the beach and the sea: the Latin American and the European. Both are distinguished by the colors and meanings of the flags used.

Flags in Latin America

The yellow and black flag represents what is called a doubtful sea, so it is possible to bathe, but it is not recommended if it is a not very experienced swimmer.

The sky blue flag is used when the sea is completely calm and does not imply any danger for the bather.

The red flag indicates the prohibition of the bathroom. However, this prohibition is relative, as it depends on the personal decision of each individual. It must be borne in mind that the lifeguard does not have the power to prohibit, but can only warn and report.

The black flag with a lightning bolt through it represents a dangerous situation due to impact lightning and immediate evacuation from the sea and the beach is recommended.

Flags in Europe

- The green is used when the sea is completely calm and the conditions for bathing are optimal.

- Yellow indicates that the sea can cause some problems, such as waves, dangerous currents or gusts of intense wind. For this reason, this indication communicates that it is preferable not to bathe.

- The red indicates the prohibition of the bathroom for some reason (weather conditions, contamination water, presence of dangerous animals, etc.).

- In some areas prone to the presence of jellyfish, sometimes a flag with a represented jellyfish is used that serves as a warning of the presence of these animals.

- Finally, the blue is a distinctive of quality and with it you are informed of the optimal conditions of the beach, with the water in good condition, services for people with disability, utilities, etc.

Photos: Fotolia - KPG_Ivary / Lorelyn Medina

Themes in Beach-Sea Flags