Beach flags: what each one means
There are two kinds of flag people confuse: the quality award and the swimming safety flags. They have nothing to do with each other.
The blue flag is about quality, not safety
An international award given each season to beaches and marinas meeting criteria on water quality, facilities, accessibility and environmental management. A beach having it doesn't mean swimming is safe on any given day: that's what the other flags say.
What it guarantees in practice
Regular water testing, lifeguards and a first aid post, bins and cleaning, access and visible information. A good sign if you're travelling with children or want facilities, but it says nothing about how beautiful the beach is.
Green flag
Swimming permitted, conditions favourable. Even so, follow lifeguard instructions and don't get complacent with children.
Yellow flag
Swim with caution. Usually indicates moderate swell, currents or something advising you not to go far from shore. The most ignored flag and the one causing most scares.
Red flag
No swimming. It isn't a recommendation: it means real risk, normally strong currents, swell or contamination. If it's up, don't go in even if you see others doing it.
Rip currents
The most frequent danger and the least understood. They're channels of water heading out to sea that drag you along however strong a swimmer you are. If caught in one, don't swim against it: swim parallel to the shore until you're out, then return diagonally.
Other flags you might see
Some beaches use additional markers warning about jellyfish, temporary contamination or wildlife. Criteria vary by region, so check the beach's information board.
What to check before swimming
The day's flag, the information board, and whether there's a lifeguard and during what hours. Many beaches only have supervision in summer and for limited hours; outside that, swimming is at your own risk.
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