Rip currents. Marine warnings. Surf advisories. And what about all those flags that fly over lifeguard stands?
Do you know what they mean and what precautions you should take — or what you shouldn't do?
Here's a roundup of terms and explanations to help keep you and your family safe, whether on an extended outing on a holiday weekend or a quick swim.
➤ Interactive map: NWS experimental beach forecast around Florida
Beach flags on Florida beaches and what they mean
In 2005, Florida enacted a beach flag warning system, according to the National Weather Service.
In a surf zone forecast, there are three levels of rip current outlooks:
- Low risk:The risk for rip currents is low, however, life threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers.
- Moderate risk:Life threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone.
- High risk:Life threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone.
Here's what each flag means.
- Double red flag: Water is closed to the public. You could be arrested or fined for entering the water.
- Red flag: Strong and frequent rip currents. Red flags mean dangerous rip current activity is expected.The rip currents would be likely to be stronger and more frequent. It’s recommended to stay out of the water.
- Yellow flag: Be aware and cautious. 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 expected but exercise caution.
- Purple flag: Dangerous marine life.
Heat warnings:What do heat warnings and watches mean? Terms you should know
Red flag?Large portion of Florida under red flag warning. What's that mean?
How to spot a rip current
Here are some other water-related terms used by the National Weather service and what they mean.
What is a small craft advisory?
A small craft advisory is a type of wind warning issued by theNational Weather Servicewhen winds have reached, or are expected to reach within the next 12 hours, a speed around 25 to 38 miles per hour and/or seas or waves are greater than 4 feet.
What is a gale warning and advisory?
A gale warning is issued when sustained winds between 39 and 54 mph are predicted or occurring. The gale warning is issued when the winds are not directly associated with a tropical cyclone.
An advisory is issued for coastal waters when winds of 22mph to 38 mph to from are either predicted or occurring and/or seas are considered potentially hazardous to small boats. The seas range for various weather service offices. Key West uses 7 feet or greater. There is no legal definition for "small craft."
What is a storm warning?
A storm warning is issued when sustained surface winds not directly associated with a tropical cyclone range from 55 mph to 73 mph.
What is a storm watch?
A storm is issued when there is an increased risk for sustained storm force winds or frequent gusts of 55 mph to 73 mph but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain.
What is a special marine warning?
A special marine warning affects coastal waters and is issued when there is a potential for hazardous weather conditions usually of short duration (2 hours or less) and producing wind speeds of 39 mph. It's issued when for conditions not adequately covered by existing marine warnings.
A special marine warning also is issued when waterspouts are either predicted or occurring.
What do forecasters mean when they refer to sustained winds?
Sustained winds are those wind speeds observed and averaged over at least 1 minute.
What do they mean by swells?
Swells are wind-generated waves. Swells usually are more regular and have more uniform crests and a longer period than wind waves.
What is a waterspout?
A waterspout is a rotating column of air that forms over water and whose circulation extends to the surface.
What is a hazardous seas warning?
A hazardous seas warning is issued when wave heights and/or wave steepness meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria.
What is a hazardous seas watch?
A hazardous seas watch is issued when there is an increased risk for a warning but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain.
What is a high surf advisory and warning?
A high surf advisory is issued when breaking waves pose a threat to life and property within the surf zone. High surf criteria varies by region.
A high surf warning is issued when breaking wave action results in an especially heightened threat to life and property within the surf zone. High surf criteria varies by region.
What is a rip current?How to stay safe in the ocean when risks are high
Beach safety for you and your family:Cars, jellyfish and rip currents: How to stay safe on the beach
How to check water quality in Florida
Get the latest information on red tide, blue-green algae and any health advisories issued around the Sunshine State in this interactive map.
