Do You Know What The Flags On The Beaches Mean? Tips For Staying Safe This Holy Week ⋆ The Costa Rica News

With Holy Week in full swing, when thousands of people visit beaches across Costa Rica, understanding the meaning of the flags can make the difference between a safe swim and a dangerous situation.

As explained by Ariel LaFuente, a Red Cross rescuer and lifeguard, the flag system works similarly to a traffic light.

“When you see a green, yellow, or red flag, it indicates the sea conditions in that area,” he explained.

The green flag indicates that it is safe to enter the water, although caution is always recommended.

The yellow flag, on the other hand, allows entry, but with caution. Conditions may change rapidly, such as increased waves or currents becoming stronger.

“It can also warn of certain types of marine life that aren’t dangerous but can cause injury, such as sea anemones,” he noted.

In contrast, the red flag prohibits entry into the water.

“If there’s a red flag, don’t go in. There may be very strong rip currents, high waves, or hazards like submerged rocks,” LaFuente warned.

One of the lesser-known facts is the meaning of red and yellow flags.

These are displayed in pairs and mark the safest area for swimming.

“Ideally, you should enter the water between those two flags, because that’s where the lifeguard has the best view and can respond most quickly,” explained the lifeguard.

In addition, there is the black flag, which indicates the presence of a thunderstorm.

In these cases, it is not recommended to remain in the water or on the beach.

These warnings take on greater importance given the sea conditions forecast for this Holy Week.

According to Rodney Mora, coordinator of the Oceanographic Information Module (MIO-Cimar), waves in the Pacific have reached up to 2 meters and are conducive to the formation of rip currents.

“What we want is to draw attention to the Pacific sector, due to the likelihood of weak to moderate rip currents forming under these wave conditions,” Mora noted.

Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, waves of 1.4 meters are expected through Friday, rising to 1.8 meters over the weekend.

In addition, March and April see the highest number of drowning incidents in the country, which is why authorities are urging people to take extra precautions.

Experts agree that the flags are not merely decorative, but serve as warnings about actual sea conditions.

Keep in mind that if you get caught in a current pulling you out to sea, the best thing to do is try to swim sideways to get out.

Also, avoid risk factors such as alcohol or drug use, which can increase the likelihood of incidents at sea.

“We can ask locals about areas with rip currents or the presence of animals in certain sectors that could put swimmers at risk,” Mora noted.

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