Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Beach Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Beach-flag system explained for Dare County beaches
Summary
Dare County officials and ocean-rescue teams describe the meaning of beach warning flags used from Memorial Day through mid-October and urge swimmers to check with lifeguards before entering the water.
Dare County emergency responders and the National Weather Service use a beach-flag system to communicate surf and rip-current hazards to the public, with local ocean rescue teams confirming conditions and flying flags from Memorial Day through mid-October.
Under the system, the absence of a flag indicates low risk but not zero risk. A yellow flag signals moderate surf and dangerous rip currents; weak swimmers are advised to stay out of the water or use a flotation device. A red flag means rough surf and strong currents and officials say people should stay out. Double red indicates the water is closed because conditions are life threatening even for rescuers. A purple flag warns of jellyfish or stingray presence; it does not indicate sharks. In Cape Hatteras National Seashore, red and yellow flags identify lifeguarded areas.
Officials reminded beachgoers to know their location and check in with the lifeguard regardless of which flag is flying.
