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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Why You Should Never Ignore a Double Red Flag at the Beach
Everyone likes to enjoy their fun in the sun laying on sandy beaches and splashing in crystal oceans, but there are times when beachgoers should stay out of the water. The experts at The Best Western Siesta Key suggest paying attention to the colored flags so that you know when to stay out of the water and stay safe. One of these colored flags is the double red flag. Below we will look into what these double red flags could mean, why it is so important to pay attention to the colored beach flags, and what flags mean you can go to the beach.
What a Double Red Flag Could Mean
Like most natural wonders, while the ocean is beautiful and can be fun to swim in on your vacation, it can also be extremely dangerous at times, which is why lifeguards use the double red flags to warn beachgoers to stay out of potentially harmful waters. Seeing double red flags at the beach means that water is closed to the public due to dangerous surf conditions including strong rip currents that can take down even the strongest swimmers. It is also worth noting that if you are caught in the water when double red flags are flying, you could be arrested, as law enforcement is working to keep the public safe.
Why We Take Our Beach Flags Seriously
Especially due to the extreme consequences of swimming when double red flags are out at the beach, it is extremely important to pay attention to the different colored flags, as they can provide vital information about ocean conditions that day. The experts at Best Western Siesta Key want all of their customers to stay safe while enjoying the beach, so they strongly recommend making sure you know what flag is flying on your way out to the water.
Which Flags Mean You CAN Go Swimming?
While beachgoers may not be able to swim with a double red flag is flying, there are many other colored flags that fly for your safety and indicate when you can go swimming. A few of these include the green flag, which indicates that surf conditions are calm, the yellow flag which means that the surf can be potentially hazardous, but swimming is still permitted, the purple flag, which warns swimmers to watch out for marine pests, and the red flag over yellow, which indicates a recommended swimming area where a lifeguard is present. All of the colored flags are there for your safety which means it is important to be aware and pay attention to them.
If you happen to go out to the beach on a day when double red flags are flying, don’t be discouraged, the beach is still open for people to enjoy the sun, or if the beach isn’t complete without some swimming, the experts at The Best Western Siesta Key would be happy to direct you to other amenities at the hotel or attractions around Siesta Key. When you head out for your vacation always remember to have fun, be safe, and pay attention to the flags!