The Town's Ocean Rescue division is implementing a new beach warning flag system this summer. To enhance the effectiveness of these warning indicators, we've aligned them with international and national standards, ensuring greater consistency with other beach communities.
For decades, lifeguard agencies in the U.S. and around the world have employed flags to notify swimmers of conditions, to warn of hazards, to identify safer areas for swimming, and to notify beach users about regulated areas. To help ensure global consistency, the International Life Saving Federation developed international guidelines for warning flags.
These guidelines have been adopted, in part, by the International Standards Organization, and are endorsed by the United States Lifesaving Association. By consistently following these warning flag guidelines, lifeguard agencies can help ensure a universal understanding of their meaning and thus improve their effectiveness.
Lifeguard supervisors will be working in conjunction with Dare County Emergency Management’s Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean project and the National Weather Service's rip current forecasting group to determine the level of risk each day, starting Memorial Day weekend through October 15, when flags will be posted on flag poles at our public beach accesses.
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.
