Beach Warning Flags
Between Memorial Day weekend and October 15, flags will be posted at Nags Head's public beach accesses, notifying beachgoers of the day's conditions.
Flag Definitions
- Yellow – Medium hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents are present. Weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. For others, enhanced care and caution should be exercised.
- Red – High hazard. Rough conditions such as strong surf and/or currents are present. All swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. Those entering the water should take great care.
- Double Red – Water is closed to public use. Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean shall be unlawful. The term "swimming" is defined to mean and include any entry into the water of the Atlantic Ocean whether assisted by a raft, float, or other aid or device commonly used, but shall not include any entry assisted by a "surfboard" or "body board and fins.
When double red flags are flying and swimming in the ocean is unlawful, a news item will appear below typically by 9:30 am.