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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
What is a Red Flag Beach Day?
Going to the beaches on Siesta Key should be some of the most relaxing, peaceful, and enjoyable days. Whether spent with family, friends, a partner, or by yourself, soaking up the warm sun on your skin while your feet bury themselves in the softest white quartz sand or you float in the calm turquoise water, truly melts all your cares away. That is why the lifeguards and Florida law enforcement utilize an easy way to keep everyone care-free and safe on each beach in the sunshine state.
Since water is unpredictable and can be dangerous, you will find various colored flags on Florida beaches to indicate the safety level of swimming and playing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. As the tides and surf conditions change, you can simply rely on these colored flags to help gauge the risk of swimming on the beach or bringing little ones down to the water’s edge. Your friends here at Best Western Siesta Key are answering your questions about red flag beach days as well as some of the dangers present while these flags are flying.
Single Red Flag VS Double Red Flag
A double red flag means that the water is off-limits to the public due to hazardous and dangerous conditions. It is never worth the risk to swim in an area where a double red flag is present. If caught swimming while a double red flag is flying, you may be arrested and fined as law enforcement does its best to keep the beaches and waters of Florida as safe as possible for everyone.
A single red flag means you should swim only if you are a strong swimmer. Young kids should never play in the water or swim during a red flag beach day. A single red flag indicates strong and hazardous conditions, such as high winds, strong currents, and rough surf. Therefore, it is always better to avoid the water and not swim on a red flag altogether.
Common Dangers that Might Be Present on “Red Flag” Beach Days
Red Tide
Red tide is a common term used to describe a harmful algal bloom that can grow wildly out of control causing great harm to the marine ecosystem. In addition to its unpleasant and pungent scent, red tide is toxic to fish, marine mammals, shellfish, and birds. Humans may also experience respiratory irritations during exposure to red tide.
Rip Currents
High surf is often the cause of rip currents or fast-moving water that can pull you far offshore or further into the water than you had intended to venture. If you do find yourself getting caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and then diagonally until you reach the beach. You can always wave a lifeguard down for further assistance or if you are not a strong swimmer.
Lightning Storms
As the lightning capital of the world, it is important to take storms seriously while visiting Siesta Key. During the summer’s rainy season, the area experiences numerous but shot thunderstorms a week. Lighting has the ability to travel up to 10 miles before the rain begins to fall, so keep your ears open for initial roars of thunder and leave the beach immediately to avoid getting caught in the storm.
Hurricanes and Severe Weather
High winds cause a shift in currents that could become hazardous even to the strongest of swimmers. Although the Gulf of Mexico is typically calm and peaceful, these stronger currents are common during severe weather and have the ability to carry you a great distance away from your starting point. In addition to high winds, and incoming tropical storms can produce large and dangerous waves. Between the extreme height and force or power of the surf, swimming in these conditions can be life-threatening for anyone.
Other Flag Colors to Keep a Lookout For
In addition to red flags, swimmers and beachgoers should also be aware of other colored flags that lifeguards may put out. Yellow flags, for instance, indicate moderate surf and/or currents. While conditions are considered to be a medium hazard during a yellow flag day, be sure to make your best judgment before jumping into the water and swimming at your own risk. Purple flags are not seen as often, but it is still important to know what they mean. If you see a purple flag at the beach, acknowledge that there may be some dangerous wildlife close by, such as algae, jellyfish, stingrays, and more. Green flags are the most comforting to find on the beach as they indicate low hazard and calm conditions.
Going to the beach should be a fun and safe experience for everyone and making sure you pay attention to the colored flags is a big part of keeping you, and those around you, out of harm’s way. As the red flags indicate serious danger in the water, yellow, purple, and green flags are also there to minimize the risk of accidents, injury, and even drowning as the tides, surf, and presence of marine wildlife change. If you have further questions about why red flags might be present on the beach, the local experts here at Best Western Siesta Key are happy to offer answers.