What is the purple flag on the beach trying to communicate?

In Brazil, it is possible to enjoy the beaches all year round in many areas, as the country is tropical and has a favorable climate for enjoying the sea and sand. However, it is common to use colorful flags on the beaches to provide important information about local conditions.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the meaning of each of these flags.

Meaning of flags on beaches

purple flag

When visiting a beach, it is possible to find colored flags that indicate important information about sea conditions and possible risks. The purple flag, for example, indicates the presence of marine pests, such as jellyfish and stingrays, which are dangerous for humans.

Although the presence of this flag does not prohibit bathers from swimming in the sea, it is essential to be aware of the dangers of these animals and always be alert when coming into contact with them.

Other flags:

• The green flag means there is no danger and the conditions for swimming are great;
• The yellow flag indicates moderate danger, with waves and light currents;
• The red flag signals imminent danger, with extremely strong waves and dangerous currents, and can be used to indicate the presence of sharks or other threats in the water;
• When the beach has poor bathing conditions, the double red flag is used, which indicates that the beach is closed to bathers;
• The black flag on the beach indicates that there are no lifeguards at the station, indicating that the public must be alert and aware that there will be no help from these professionals.

Which flag to put on the beach?

The study to determine which flag to put on the beach considers several factors, such as weather conditions, tide, wave intensity, presence of marine animals, among others.

The objective is to assess whether the beach is safe for swimming and, if not, to warn bathers about the possible risks. This study is usually carried out by specialized teams, such as firefighters and lifeguards, who use their experience and technical knowledge to determine which flag is best suited for each situation.

In addition, the study can also be based on information provided by meteorological reports and other data collected over time.