A day at the beach is meant to be relaxing, but paying attention to the warning flags can help make your visit safer. While most people recognize green, yellow, and red beach flags, the purple flag is less familiar—and it signals a different type of hazard.
A purple flag is used to alert beachgoers that potentially harmful marine life has been observed in the area. Depending on the location, this may include jellyfish, stingrays, or other sea creatures that could cause stings or minor injuries if disturbed.
It’s important to remember that a purple flag does not necessarily mean the beach is closed. In many cases, swimming is still permitted, but visitors are encouraged to use extra caution and stay informed about current conditions.
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