The ocean is
beautiful and
dangerous.
Every year, visitors are injured or killed from hazards that are completely avoidable. Know before you go.
Green — Low Hazard
Calm conditions. Swim with caution — drownings happen even on green flag days.
Yellow — Medium Hazard
Moderate surf or currents. Weak swimmers and children should stay out. Most misread flag on the beach.
Single Red — High Hazard
Strong surf, currents, or high winds. Stay out of the water. Even strong swimmers have drowned on single-red days.
Double Red — Water Closed
No one in the water. This is a legal order. Violators face fines up to $500 and arrest.
Purple — Dangerous Marine Life
Sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, or other hazardous marine animals have been spotted nearby. Can fly alongside any other flag. Stay alert.
Rip currents pull swimmers away from shore at up to 8 feet per second and cause over 100 U.S. drowning deaths per year. If you feel yourself being pulled out, stay calm:
Don't fight it
Swimming directly against a rip will exhaust you. It's faster than you.
Swim sideways
Swim parallel to shore to escape the narrow current channel.
Then swim in
Once clear of the rip, angle toward shore and swim in calmly.
Signal for help
Float, wave your arms, and call for a lifeguard if exhausted.
Digging deep holes in the sand is more dangerous than it looks
- ⚠️Wet sand near the water is extremely unstable — walls collapse without warning
- ⚠️Children can fall in and become trapped within seconds — sand compression makes it nearly impossible for them to free themselves
- ⚠️Hole collapses have killed adults and children on U.S. beaches — this is not a rare freak accident
- ⚠️Keep holes no deeper than the knee of the tallest person in your group
- ⚠️Always fill in holes completely before leaving the beach
Sharks
Blacktip & spinner sharks are common. Avoid shiny jewelry and murky water. Don't splash excessively near fishing areas.
Jellyfish
Moon jellies & Portuguese man o' war cause painful stings. Rinse with saltwater (not fresh). Remove tentacles with a card, not hands.
Stingrays
Shuffle your feet in shallow water — rays bury in sand. Soak a sting in hot water and seek medical attention.
Sea lice
Microscopic larvae cause itchy rashes under bathing suits. Rinse and change your suit after swimming.
Blue crabs
Aggressive when cornered. Their claws cause painful cuts. Don't let small children handle them on the beach.
Catfish & spines
Gulf hardhead catfish have venomous dorsal spines. Common near piers and shallow water. Never handle with bare hands.
May – October is sea turtle nesting season on Gulf beaches
- 🔴Use only red or amber flashlights on the beach at night — white light disorients hatchlings and nesting females
- 🔴Never shine flashlights, phone lights, or car headlights toward the water at night
- 🔴Do not disturb or approach a nesting turtle — it's a federal crime with fines up to $100,000
- 🔴Flatten sandcastles and fill holes before leaving — they become fatal obstacles for hatchlings
- 🔴Pack up beach chairs, umbrellas, and gear every night so turtles can reach the water freely
Heat & sun
Sand & water reflect UV rays intensely. Reapply SPF 30+ every 90 minutes. Drink water before you feel thirsty.
Thunderstorms
Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S. At the first rumble, exit the water. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning.
Waves & undertow
Even small waves can knock children off their feet. Never turn your back on the ocean. Keep small children within arm's reach.
Alcohol & water
Alcohol is a factor in up to 50% of adult drowning deaths. If you're drinking, stay out of the water — no exceptions.
Watch your kids
Assign one adult per child for dedicated water watching. Drowning is silent and fast — group supervision isn't enough.
Know your location
Note the nearest lifeguard stand before you set up. Flag poles are numbered — give 911 the nearest pole number if calling for help.
This guide is provided as a general courtesy resource. Always follow posted beach patrol instructions and contact emergency services in any life-threatening situation.