The yellow flag warns beachgoers of moderate surf and or currents and undertows. Swimmers should use caution and stay close to lifeguards. Those with trouble swimming should wear life jackets.
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Informational signs like this are posted at public beaches along with the warning flags. Yellow flags mean some rip current activity is expected. You should be cautious if entering the water, don't swim alone, and know what to do if caught in a rip current.
Green Flag: Low hazard, calm conditions. Yellow Flag: Medium hazard with moderate surf or currents. Red Flag: High hazard, with high surf or strong currents; when these conditions are present, lifeguards may ask swimmers to get out of the water.
Clearwater Beach, Florida, is the northernmost developed barrier island along the Tampa Bay Beaches. Unlike our other island communities, Clearwater Beach is part of the City of Clearwater. Today, fun 'n sun lovers come from all over to enjoy Clearwater Beach resorts, attractions, recreation, restaurants and shopping.
Literally translated Clear Water from the Native American Pocotopaug, the area was named for its abundant fresh springs along the shore. Settled by colonists in the mid-1830s, it was not until the 1890s that Clearwater gained a reputation as a resort community.
Some people experience respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing, tearing and an itchy throat) when the red tide organism, Karenia brevis , is present and winds blow onshore. Offshore winds usually keep respiratory effects experienced by those on the shore to a minimum.
Purple FlagsWhen potentially dangerous ocean animals have been spotted, you'll see a purple flag. These flags fly either on their own or with other colored flags. If you see a purple flag, but the water is not closed to swimming, use extreme caution and keep a close watch for dangerous animals.
Shepard says that each day safety officers go out to the beaches to look at the surf, check local weather observations, wave swells, and the National Weather Service's rip current risk. He stresses that the most important thing is “to look at the water itself” and how it is behaving.