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Lifeguard Signals and Beach Flags: What Surfers Must Know

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Nov 6, 2024 8:21 PM ET

We’ve all been there. You show up at a beach, and there’s a colored flag, sometimes more than one, fluttering in the wind. The lifeguards put it there for a reason, but what does it mean?

Surfers are often the first on the scene when emergencies and water rescues go down. At Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore, for example, surfers in the lineup often help the injured before the lifeguards can get to them. Because of the distance from the reef to the tower, the two parties often gesture with hands and arms to alert one another.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most important hand signals and the most common beach warning flags lifeguards use around the world. Even if you’re not a trained lifeguard or Pipeline charger, it’s still important to know this information so you can communicate with and aid the professionals.

Hand Signals

From the water: Waving one arm above the head means a swimmer or lifeguard in the water needs help immediately. There could be numerous reasons why assistance is needed, from someone near drowning or hurt.
Both arms raised above the head in a cross: A swimmer is missing and likely has gone under the water. Other lifeguards should recognize the position of the lifeguard and coordinate a response. The International Life Saving Federation called this "The most serious signal of all."
Tapping the top of the head: No help needed; situation stabilized. The ILSF recommends the lifeguard and swimmer in the water be monitored until both get to shore.
From the land: One arm held upward, spinning in a circle, while the other points in a direction, right or left. This is used by someone on land to direct a lifeguard in the water where a simmer needs help.
Two arms held up vertically above the head: This means the swimmers should head away from shore. One arm held up means the lifeguard or swimmer should come into shore.

Beach Flags

Beach safety flags are mandated by the International Life Saving Federation and the United States Lifesaving Association (you can find more information here). Here are the most common warnings you're likely to see when you visit a beach.

Green: Green means go. Have fun; it’s nice out there.
Yellow: Use caution. This may be due to large waves or strong currents. Think of it as a medium hazard.
Red: Conditions are very dangerous. Officials advise not to enter the ocean in red flag conditions unless you are a good swimmer. Enter at your own risk.
Double red: Extremely hazardous conditions and the water should be closed to public use, according to the ILSA.
Purple: Marine pest. This indicates there could be some wildlife in the water, like sharks, jellyfish or an algae bloom. Enter at your own risk.
Red over yellow: A designated swimming area. No surfboards allowed.
Black and white checkered: This is a designated space for watercraft. Surfboards, kayaks, sups, anything goes.
Yellow flag with a black circle: Commonly known as the black ball, this means surfing and other non-powered watercraft are not allowed in that area. Lifeguards post the flag based on safety considerations, such as the number of people on the beach, the size of the surf, and how many lifeguards are on duty.
The red and white quartered: Evacuate the water immediately. This is used during emergencies and worst-case scenarios like hurricane conditions or sharks looking for blood.