The Purple Flag at the Beach: What It Really Means (And Why You Should Pay Attention) 1

Sharks (rare, but some beaches use purple to indicate shark sightings)

What the purple flag does NOT mean:

The water is closed (you can still swim)Bottled Water

The beach is unsafe (just be aware)

There’s a guarantee you’ll encounter marine pests (just a warning that they’ve been sighted)

The key word: Awareness. The purple flag is not an order to stay out of the water. It’s a reminder to watch where you step, look before you leap, and swim with your eyes open.

The Most Common Marine Pests (And