Do You Know What These Beach Flags Mean?

With the Easter holidays already well underway, RNLI lifeguards are back on beaches, sharing a clear message for anyone heading to the coast: know your flags and choose a lifeguarded beach.

The update from Bude RNLI Lifeboat highlights simple but important advice to help people stay safe in the water during the busy holiday period.

Know Your Flags

Beachgoers are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the different safety flags used on lifeguarded beaches.

• Red and yellow flags mark the area where lifeguards are on duty. This is the safest place to swim and bodyboard. RNLI advice is to always Swim Between The Flags.
• Black and white chequered flags indicate zones for surfboards and other watercraft such as paddleboards, kayaks, kitesurfers and windsurfers. People are advised never to swim or bodyboard in these areas.
• Red flags signal dangerous conditions and a severe hazard. The advice is clear: do not enter the water.
• Orange windsocks show offshore or strong wind conditions. In these situations, inflatables should never be used.

Lifeguards On Duty

With lifeguards now patrolling beaches, the RNLI is encouraging people to make the most of safer swimming areas and to follow the guidance in place.

You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach using the RNLI’s official tool here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

Using a lifeguarded beach and understanding the flags can make a real difference when it comes to staying safe by the sea.

What To Do In An Emergency

Anyone who finds themselves or others in difficulty in the water is advised to call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

RNLI lifeguards and float crews are in place and ready to respond, helping visitors enjoy the coast safely.