When going to the seaside, you must remember that water combined with rapidly changing weather can be extremely dangerous. For this reason, the appropriate services always signal when it is allowed and when it is absolutely forbidden to enter the water. Every tourist should know what the colors of the flags at the seaside mean and why they are displayed. Also find out who is responsible for raising the flags.
Why are flags raised at the seaside?
Being at the seaside, you may have encountered markings in various colors placed at guarded bathing areas. The colors of flags on seaside beaches may vary, each conveying a different message. Their presence is the responsibility of services responsible for beach safety. These include, among others:
- rescue services;
- local government units;
- managers of ports and marinas;
- nature reserve managers;
- people from sailing clubs;
A lifeguard raises a flag when bathing conditions change and swimming in the sea becomes dangerous or vice versa – when it becomes safe to enter the water. Such messages are used to ensure that rest is always safe. They serve for effective and mass communication with tourists. Usually, seaside bathing areas make sure that the flags are clearly visible.
The colors of the flags on the beach concern not only swimmers and tourists using the beaches for other purposes. They are also intended for fishermen, sailors, lifeguards, and representatives of other services, port and marina workers, as well as other beach users.
If you notice a mast without a flag at the bathing area, it means there are no lifeguards present. If you do not see a mast or lifeguard station at all, it means the bathing area is unguarded. If there is a flag on the mast, everyone without exception should know what its colors mean and when safe bathing in the sea is possible.
What does the red flag mean?
Raising a red flag indicates a swimming ban in the water due to unfavorable conditions that may threaten safety. This usually concerns the presence of a strong sea current that can pull people in the water.
A swimming ban does not automatically mean a failed trip. We invite you to our seaside hotel in Stegna. At Bursztynowe Resort & SPA you can relax even when conditions at the beach do not allow entering the water. Comfortable apartments, a restaurant, and a SPA & Wellness area with pools, jacuzzis, saunas, and a salt cave are available.
The raised red flag also indicates waves too high for swimming to be possible, and in some cases it signals a storm or thunderstorm. When you see this flag color at bathing areas, you should avoid approaching the water.
Black flag on the beach
The black flag, no longer used today, has been replaced by the red flag. It carried the same message – an absolute ban on entering the water.
What does the green flag at the bathing area mean?
The green flag indicates that swimming is currently allowed but not recommended. It is raised due to changing water currents or higher waves, and there is a probability it will quickly change to red.
White flag at the bathing area
When you see a white flag, it means that a lifeguard or a whole rescue unit is present at the bathing area. It is often located where help can be received or danger can be signaled. In situations where the beach is marked this way, water bathing can be used without any reservations.
What does the blue flag mean?
Beaches with the blue flag indicate that this bathing area is considered one of the cleanest in the world. It is a kind of certificate that respective bathing areas receive for a year. After that time, they undergo re-verification and can receive it again or lose it.
What does the yellow flag on the beach mean?
Sometimes you will also see yellow flags. It indicates a threat, but not so dangerous as to completely forbid entering the water. The yellow flag at the seaside means that conditions are good but not optimal and extra caution should be exercised. Additionally, it may indicate the presence of dangerous marine animals (e.g. jellyfish) or aquatic plants that pose a threat. In case of doubt, it is worth asking the lifeguard for detailed information.
What does the purple flag mean?
The purple flag is less common and indicates the presence of aquatic animals at the bathing area. Most often it concerns jellyfish, which can be dangerous.
No flag at the seaside
The absence of a flag can be interpreted in two ways. The first means that the bathing area may be wild and offer no lifeguard assistance at all. This often happens on beaches with fewer tourists. Particular caution should be exercised then. The second reason no flag is raised is simply the absence of a lifeguard at that moment.
Other seaside flags
The above colors of flags are the most commonly seen. Seaside bathing areas sometimes also use additional markings, which are not only intended for tourists.
Double red flag
A double red flag means that the bathing area is exceptionally dangerous. Swimming and entering the water are completely forbidden. Such flags are usually associated with very strong wind, high waves, and sea currents.
White flag with black squares
The white flag with black squares is seldom seen in Poland. It marks an area where people surf. It also means a swimming ban at that bathing area.
White-blue flag
Similar to the white-black one, a pennant in white-blue colors indicates sporting activities. In this case, however, it is diving. Entering the water is possible but with caution.
Red-yellow flag
The red-yellow flag combination means the area is under lifeguard observation. It also does not occur in Poland. At beaches abroad, it marks zones highly recommended for swimming under full supervision of rescue services.
Flag indicating wind direction
Sometimes at beaches where water sports are practiced, flags indicating wind direction can be seen. They provide information for sailors, surfers, and others. The flag, or rather pennant, is a orange circle that rotates in the direction the wind is blowing when filled with wind.
Summary
The colors of flags at bathing areas signal the conditions in the water. Their knowledge is extremely important for safety. It should always be kept in mind that water is a force of nature that must be approached with respect. The red flag on the beach is not raised to spoil our holidays but to ensure we return safely home. Before going to the seaside, it is worth having at least minimal knowledge about the colors of the flags placed at bathing areas. They can often even help save our lives.
