Rip Current Risk
Check rip current risk, beach flags and official NWS conditions at US beaches before swimming.
Risk Map
🏖️ Conditions by Beach Zone
Official National Weather Service (NWS) forecast for today in each beach zone: rip current risk, water temperature, surf and wind.
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🚩 Beach Flags and Their Meaning
US beaches use the USLA (United States Lifesaving Association) flag system. Before entering the water, check which flag is flying near the lifeguard tower.
Green Flag
Low hazard. Calm water conditions. Stay alert and swim near a lifeguard.
Yellow Flag
Medium hazard. Moderate surf or currents. Swim with caution and do not go far from shore.
Red Flag
High hazard. Strong surf or dangerous rip currents. Only experienced swimmers should enter the water.
Double Red Flag
Beach closed to the public! Extremely dangerous conditions. No swimming allowed.
Purple Flag
Dangerous marine life sighted: jellyfish, stingrays, sharks or other species. Ask the lifeguard before entering.
Orange Flag
Poor air or water quality. People with respiratory issues or sensitive skin should avoid the water.
📊 Risk Levels
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| LOW | The risk of rip currents is low. However, life threatening rip currents may still occur especially near groins, jetties, reefs, and piers. Always swim near a lifeguard and heed flag warning systems. |
| MODERATE | Life threatening rip currents are possible. Always swim near a lifeguard and heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems. |
| HIGH | Life threatening rip currents are likely. The surf zone is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. Stay out of the water! Heed the advice of local beach patrol. |
🌊 Beach Safety
A trip to the beach should be fun. Unfortunately, many people are injured or killed each year along our nation's beaches by dangerous waves and currents.
The National Weather Service (NWS) can help ensure you leave the beach with good memories. NWS provides you with the information you need to stay safe on beaches and in coastal areas and surf zones.
What is a surf zone? It is the area of water between the beach/shore and the first line of breaking waves.
📋 What to Know
- Stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you.
- Storms far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents, even on a sunny day!
- Even small waves can hit you with the force of a car!
- Know how to swim before entering the water.
✅ What to Do
- Before leaving for the beach, check the official surf zone forecast.
- Always swim near a lifeguard. Chances of drowning at a beach with lifeguards are 1 in 18 million.
- Talk with a lifeguard about current water conditions.
- Have Coast Guard approved life jackets available.
🌊 Remember: If you want to stay safe at the beach, respect the power of the ocean!