Laguna Beach lifeguard Kai Bond tells us what the average beachgoer should know about the flags on the coast.

As a lifeguard, it’s essential to advise a large number of beachgoers on surf and ocean conditions.  Lifeguards use a flag system to broadcast basic information to the public.  These flags are generally posted on the lifeguard headquarters or lifeguard towers along the beaches and shoreline.  The Laguna Beach Department of Marine Safety uses four different types of flags.  Here’s  the breakdown: 

A green flag indicates relatively safe conditions.  Although the green flag means that that the area is safe, the ocean is potentially a dangerous environment and beach goers should always use caution.  Rocks, reefs and other underwater obstructions are difficult to see can be dangerous.

 A yellow flag denotes hazardous conditions.  This could be the result of large surf and/or rip currents.  Ask the on-duty lifeguard for the safest area to swim or wade.  Our lifeguards encourage swimmers and waders to use fins and have adequate ocean experience on a yellow flag day. 

The red flag advises the public of dangerous conditions.  These conditions could be the result of very large surf and/or strong rip currents.  Only expert swimmers, bodyboarders and surfers should enter the ocean during red flag surf.  

Many lifeguard departments use a black ball flag to indicate non-surfing areas.  This yellow flag with a large black dot is generally posted on the lifeguard tower or on a flag pole in the sand.    This gives bodyboarders and swimmers an area to enjoy the water without surfers or skimboarders. 

For more information on surf and swell forecast, visit ocregister.com/beaches.For more information on the beaches and surf warning flags for the City of Laguna Beach visit www.lagunabeachlifeguards.org. And remember, always swim near a lifeguard.

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