Every color of the flag on the beach carries an important warning that can mean the difference between safe enjoyment in the sea and potential dangers and unwanted consequences. Understanding these flags is crucial for your safety, whether you swim, bathe, or simply spend time at the beach.

What does each color of the lifeguard flags on the beaches mean?

Green flag - the beach is safe for swimming

When the green flag is on the beach, it means that the conditions for swimming are perfect! The sea is calm, without strong currents, and swimming is safe for everyone, from the youngest to the most experienced swimmers. The green flag invites carefree enjoyment in the water, relaxation in the waves, and play on the beach. Get ready for a perfect day of rest and water fun - without stress! However, even then, it is advisable to remain cautious and monitor changes in water and wind and swim in the area marked by buoys. On unorganized beaches without lifeguards, it is advisable to be mindful of your distance from the shore and to monitor any changes in waves or wind.

Yellow flag - moderate danger

The yellow flag is raised when weather conditions are challenging for swimmers, usually with winds from 3 to 4 Beaufort. In such conditions, waves are up to 1.5 meters high, with continuous rising and falling of the water surface, waves breaking, and more foam. Sea currents are present, although not very strong.

If you are on an organized beach and a yellow flag is raised, the following is recommended:

  • Caution when entering the water: swim closer to the shore and avoid separating far from other swimmers.
  • For children and weaker swimmers: it is best to stay out of the water, as conditions may be too challenging.
  • Follow the lifeguards’ instructions: if lifeguards are present, be sure to listen to their advice and pay attention to additional warnings.

These steps help you stay safe and prepared in challenging water conditions.

In situations where the wind reaches 5 Beaufort (strong wind), lifeguard services assess the situation on the beach and raise a yellow or red flag. From 6 Beaufort onwards, a red flag is raised. Check here for the Beaufort scale.

How to recognize conditions that correspond to the yellow flag if you are on a beach without lifeguards

And if you are on an unorganized beach, of which there are many in Greece, follow these guidelines and apply the advice and instructions for behavior when a yellow flag is raised.

Assessment of the sea and waves:
3 Beaufort: The wind blows with moderate intensity, raises smaller waves up to about 0.6 meters, and the sea surface begins to show small white droplets. You may notice occasional sea foam, but the sea still looks relatively calm.

4 Beaufort: The wind becomes stronger, around 20-28 km/h, and the waves are larger, up to 1.5 meters, breaking more frequently and creating more sea foam. These conditions can make swimming difficult, especially for weaker swimmers, and carry an increased risk of strong currents.

Assessment on the shore:
3 Beaufort: The wind may move lighter objects, such as paper cups, napkins, and smaller debris. Towels may occasionally flutter slightly, but there are no heavier movements. Smaller umbrellas generally remain stable.

4 Beaufort: The wind is strong enough to lift paper bags and other light objects from the ground, occasionally move towels and smaller seats. Larger umbrellas noticeably bend and can become unstable, and sand may start to lift from the ground, creating a sensation of tiny “pricking” on the skin.

This sign warns that there are conditions that can be challenging for swimming, but are not immediately dangerous. Check here for the Beaufort scale.

Orange flag - danger of wind carrying equipment out to sea

Wind blowing from the shore to the open sea and waves moving from the shore to the open sea are key signs when raising an orange flag.
An orange flag on the beach indicates that it is FORBIDDEN TO USE INFLATABLE EQUIPMENT such as air mattresses, rubber boats for children, “swans”, and all “sea toys” because they can be quickly carried by the wind and currents out to sea, causing dangerous situations.

This wind and related currents can quickly carry equipment with children or adults on them.

If you are on a beach without lifeguards, it will not be difficult for you to recognize when strong wind blows from the shore to the open sea and when the waves move from the shore to the open sea, but it is important to know that such wind can quickly carry an air mattress, rubber boat, small inflatable boat, and that precautionary measures are necessary.

In case of need for rescue, call: unique European toll-free emergency number: 112
Phones of all emergency services in Greece

Almost every summer, situations occur where the wind carries an air mattress with a child at high speed far from the shore. In several cases, rescue services with boats have been called. So if you see an orange flag or simply see that the wind and waves are directed from the shore to the open sea, IT IS BEST NOT TO USE INFLATABLE EQUIPMENT.
Rescue post.

Red flag - high danger and prohibition of entering the water

The red flag indicates a strong danger due to high waves and/or very strong currents. The conditions in the water are extremely dangerous, even for experienced swimmers. Entering the water is strictly prohibited when the red flag is raised. This flag is used when the waves are very high and when the currents pose a serious risk to swimmers and bathers.

If you are on a beach without a lifeguard, it is important to recognize specific signs of danger:
How to recognize high waves:

  • Wave height: Waves higher than 1.5 meters represent high waves that can be dangerous.
  • Wave breaking: If the waves come fast and break in the first phase (not allowing swimmers to maintain balance), it means that the waves are becoming too strong for swimming.
  • Foam: Waves that create dense white foam or swirl the water indicate high sea activity, which is a sign of increased danger.

How to recognize dangerous sea currents:

  • Rip currents (dangerous underwater currents): can be noticed as a thin line where the waves do not break and the water quickly pulls towards the open sea. This “strip” without waves in the sea indicates the presence of a RIP current. This means that the water “pulls” the swimmer towards the open sea, and it is usually fatal, as the name itself suggests. Read more about RIP currents.
  • Currents near the shore: If the water seems to be rapidly receding or if the current is too strong for normal swimming, you should immediately leave the water.
  • Drowning risk: Waves that constantly engulf swimmers, with sudden changes in wave direction and strong currents, can cause impact and drowning. Even experienced swimmers can be in danger due to such wave movements or currents.

Based on these signs, DO NOT ENTER THE SEA whenever the conditions are like this.
In case of need for rescue, call: unique European toll-free emergency number: 112
Phones of all emergency services in Greece

There are a few beaches that are popular among our tourists, and it often happens that despite the displayed RED flag, tourists enter the sea to enjoy the big waves. It is not uncommon, almost every summer, for such behavior to end fatally. On our social media, followers often send us experiences as witnesses of unfortunate events, or they warn other followers not to enter the sea, and often send photos where lifeguards are “chasing” tourists who are in the sea despite the clearly displayed flags.

For all the places from our offer, check in our Guide which beaches you can find near your resort.
Sarti is one of the beaches that often have waves and unfortunately often unpleasant situations, and in the vicinity of Sarti, there are truly a large number of wonderful beaches without waves.

Other flag colors and their meanings

In Greece, a single flag is usually used to indicate safety conditions on the beach, but in addition to the mentioned flags, there are other symbols in the International classification of safety flags on beaches.

Red/Yellow - swimming area only under lifeguard supervision

When these two flags are raised, it indicates a safe swimming area ONLY under careful lifeguard supervision. In this area, lifeguards monitor swimmers and provide assistance in case of danger. These flags are usually raised in places for surfers or other water sports activities.

Red over red - the beach is closed to the public

If red flags are raised one above the other on the beach, it means that the water is prohibited for everyone, as the conditions for any water activity are too dangerous.

Purple flag - presence of organisms or chemical compounds harmful to humans

The purple flag indicates the presence of hazards - that the water is contaminated and not suitable for swimming. It can be due to a large number of jellyfish, dangerous chemicals, bacteria…
If you notice this flag, be cautious and avoid contact with water while in that area.

Dangers at sea

Flags on the beach are there to warn us of various dangers that can arise in the water. Here are a few reasons why they are displayed:

Wave surges and injuries on gravel: High waves can cause injuries to swimmers on rocks and stones or on gravel at the bottom of the sea. Also, when waves are frequent, swimmers can lose their breath and be in great danger. Such waves are usually accompanied by yellow and red flags, and swimming in those conditions can lead to serious injuries.

Seaweed: Seaweed can be dangerous for swimmers when present in large quantities and carried by waves. Waves push them towards the surface, making swimming difficult as seaweed can easily tangle around the legs or arms of swimmers. This situation can cause panic in those who feel restricted in the water, leading to dangerous situations, especially if strong currents are present, making free movement even more difficult.

Rip currents: These underwater currents can carry swimmers far from the shore. This is the most common cause of accidents on beaches. Flags such as red or red and yellow together can indicate areas where currents are created, warning us to be cautious.

Wind and waves moving from the shore to the open sea: as mentioned earlier in the text, this combination can quickly carry people on air mattresses or in small inflatable boats far from the shore. Every summer, cases are common where rescue teams save people, and it happens that they are often children. The stress and panic of children should not be mentioned separately, so we must pay attention to this natural phenomenon and prevent unwanted events.

Tips for safe enjoyment at the beach

  • Swim in areas designated for swimming (up to the buoys).
  • If you are not a strong swimmer, choose organized beaches and swim in the area covered by a lifeguard. Also, choose beaches with a gradual entry into the water.
  • Use sun protection, apply sunscreen regularly, and stay hydrated.
  • Swim in pairs or near other swimmers.
  • If you go into deeper water, use floats or equipment in bright colors. These floats help lifeguard services spot you more easily in case of danger.
  • Follow the signs on the beaches, including safety flags. If you are on a beach without lifeguards, apply knowledge on how to recognize dangers that may come from wind and waves.

For children: Never leave children unattended. Swim with them in safe areas. Children must always be supervised by adults while in the water.

The beach is a wonderful place, but it is important to be aware of the dangers the sea can bring. The flags are there to protect you, and by following these signals, you can safely enjoy all the beauties the beach offers.

Find beaches with no waves

Greece has so many beaches that it is easy to find those that are sheltered and have fewer waves so you can continue your enjoyment. If you are on the fingers of Halkidiki, Kassandra, Sithonia, or Athos, simply cross to the other side of the finger (peninsula). Find the appropriate beach in our Guide here:
Guide Kassandra - beaches.
Guide Sithonia - beaches.
Guide Athos - beaches.
For all other places in our offer, check in our Guide which beaches you can find near your resort.

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