In 2005, in order to minimize the risks of drowning or serious injury, the state of Florida adopted a uniform warning flag program. The state’s beach warning flag program uses flags in four colors accompanied by interpretive signs, typically found on lifeguard stands, along the beach to explain the meaning of each color.
There are two AMI public beaches that have lifeguards present—Coquina Beach and Manatee County Public Beach—between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Beachgoers should check with the nearest lifeguard station, for the latest conditions of the water and determine if rip currents or other marine hazards exist.
- Two Red Flags with Black Squares: Hurricane Conditions
- Two Red Flags: Water closed to the public
- Red Flag: High hazard, presence of rip currents
- Yellow Flag: Moderate hazard, moderate presence of rip currents
- Green Flag: Low hazard, calm conditions
- Purple Flag: Dangerous marine life
