What does a purple shark flag mean?

Asked by: Heather Norman

Shark activity in Cape Cod. Flags across beaches at Cape Cod indicate safety in the water. The red flag designates it is not safe to enter the water. The purple flag flies throughout the summer reminder swimmers the ocean is a habitat for sharks. 2 / 76.

What does a shark flag mean?

White Flag (with a solid black shark) = shark in vicinity of water users (siren sounded) or after serious incident when beach is closed. Red Flag (with solid white shark) = 1 hours after a sighting or if a shark is spotted but not near water users or if there is an increased risk of shark activity.

What color flag means sharks?

A white flag with a black shark diagram means that a shark is currently near the beach, and beach users must get out of the water. A siren is sounded and the white flag is raised.

What is a purple flag?

Purple Flag – Dangerous Marine Life
Finally, a purple flag means that there is dangerous marine life out on the water or beach. This could mean jellyfish, stingrays, sea snakes, or other marine life except sharks. If a shark is in the water, then a red flag or double red flag will be hoisted.

Can you swim in the ocean with a purple flag?

If you see a blue or purple flag, but the water is not closed to swimming, use extreme caution and keep a close watch for dangerous animals.

What does yellow and purple flag mean at the beach?

Yellow: Low hazard, moderate surf and/or currents. Purple: High hazard, dangerous marine life. Red: High hazard, high surf and/or strong currents. Double Red: high hazard, beach closed to the public. No flag: still exercise caution.

Does a red flag on beach mean sharks?

Blue or Purple Flags
These flags indicate that there is potentially dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish or stingrays, prowling near swimming grounds. This flag does not represent the presence of sharks, however. If sharks are present, red flags will be hoisted or a shark sighted sign will be posted.

What does Black beach flag mean?

Black means the conditions of the sea are extremely dangerous—do not swim or enter the water. If you’d like to avoid the possibility of an incident occurring, please, do not swim. If you’re ever unsure of the condition of a beach, go to the lifeguard stand and ask. The sea and the weather are unpredictable.

What does 2 red flags mean at the beach?

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.

What is orange flag on beach?

An orange windsock indicates the presence of offshore or strong winds. If there’s an orange windsock on your beach, avoid using any type of inflatable or float.

What does a black and yellow flag mean beach?

Some beaches use a yellow flag featuring a black dot in the center. The flag indicates that surfing is prohibited in that particular area to ensure that swimmers will not have to deal with surfers in the water.

What does green flag mean at beach?

safe to swim

A green flag on the beach is an all-clear sign, indicating that it’s safe to swim: Sea is quiet, without danger or risk. Good quality of water and general beach conditions. No risk situations for the swimmers.