Beach warning flags

Read the flag before you enter the water

Read posted beach signs and follow lifeguard instructions before you enter the water. No flag does not prove that the water is safe.

Sources checked August 21, 2026: Town of Surfside Beach beach services agreement (opens in a new tab) , National Weather Service beach warning flag guide (opens in a new tab) , and National Weather Service flag meanings (opens in a new tab) .

Common flag meanings

Green flag

Low hazard with calm conditions. Use caution.

Yellow flag

Medium hazard with moderate surf or currents.

Single red flag

High hazard with high surf or strong currents.

Double red flags

The water is closed. Do not enter the water.

Purple flag

Dangerous marine life may be present.

Check the local warning

Flag systems and their meanings can vary by area. Surfside Beach requires each lifeguard stand to display an appropriate water condition warning flag.

Read posted beach signs and follow lifeguard instructions before you enter the water.

No flag does not prove that the water is safe.

Source: Town of Surfside Beach beach services agreement (opens in a new tab) · Source: National Weather Service beach warning flag guide (opens in a new tab) · Source: National Weather Service flag meanings (opens in a new tab)

Beach warning flag questions

What do the common beach warning flags mean?: Green flag: Low hazard with calm conditions. Use caution. Yellow flag: Medium hazard with moderate surf or currents. Single red flag: High hazard with high surf or strong currents. Double red flags: The water is closed. Do not enter the water. Purple flag: Dangerous marine life may be present.; Source: National Weather Service flag meanings (opens in a new tab)
Are beach warning flag meanings the same everywhere?: Flag systems and their meanings can vary by area. Surfside Beach requires each lifeguard stand to display an appropriate water condition warning flag.; Source: Town of Surfside Beach beach services agreement (opens in a new tab)
What should I do before entering the water?: Read posted beach signs and follow lifeguard instructions before you enter the water.; Source: National Weather Service beach warning flag guide (opens in a new tab)
Does no warning flag mean the water is safe?: No flag does not prove that the water is safe.; Source: National Weather Service flag meanings (opens in a new tab)