If you see a single flag that's half red and half yellow, the area you're in is among the safest on the beach. The flags indicate an area is protected by lifeguards and is being closely supervised.

Rip currents pose the greatest threat to swimmers, but beachgoers should also be careful about wildlife and sun exposure.

The warning flags on the beach follow a stoplight system with green, yellow and red. If caught in a rip current, don’t swim directly back to shore. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you ...

A red flag means “high hazard,” so expect big waves and/or strong currents. You’re technically allowed to swim, but only skilled swimmers should do so (and with the utmost caution). 4.

A yellow flag means you can swim with caution, but the water can still be treacherous. “It’s just it is so risky, but not as risky as the red flag,” said Hinz.