Why are there purple flags in Gulf Shores today?

The presence of yellow flags indicates moderate surf and/or currents, while purple flags represent dangerous marine life is present (in this case stingrays).

Why is there a purple flag today?

A purple flag signifies the presence of dangerous marine life.

What are purple flags on the beach?

PURPLE FLAGS

Stingrays, jellyfish and other dangerous marine life can turn a fun day at the beach into an unpleasant day at the hospital — or worse. When potentially dangerous ocean animals have been spotted, you’ll see a purple flag. These flags fly either on their own or with other colored flags.

What does purple flag mean at the beach in Alabama?

Those familiar with the Alabama Beach Warning Flag System probably know what the green, yellow and red flags indicate. But do you know what the purple flag means? The purple flag is flown when dangerous marine life is present. Dangerous marine life can be anything in the water that is hazardous to humans.

What is the purple flag?

Purple is a color of royalty and anyone would expect it to dominate most flags. However, only two national flags have purple on them, Dominica and Nicaragua.

Country Flags With Purple.
Rank Country Flags With Purple
1 Dominica
2 Nicaragua

What color flag means the Gulf is closed?

Double-red flags mean the Gulf is closed to swimmers. With the exception of surfers tethered to a board, no one is allowed to be in the water when double reds are flying. Look for educational materials on these warning flags in your hotel, condo or vacation rental, as well as at every public beach access point.

What does yellow and purple flags mean on beach?

Yellow flag is medium hazard meaning moderate surf and/or currents. Green flag is low hazard meaning calm conditions, exercise caution. Purple flag means dangerous marine life spotted.

What color flag means sharks?

A purple flag means that dangerous wildlife, such as jellyfish or sharks, are present in the area.

Why are purple flags so rare?

Actually the answer is quite simple. Purple was just too expensive. … More than 10,000 snails were needed to create just one gram of purple, not to mention a lot of work went into producing the dye, which made purple dye so expensive. Since only wealthy rulers could afford to buy and wear the color.

Does purple flag mean sharks?

Does a purple flag mean sharks? … The purple flag can indicate the presence of any type of dangerous marine life including but not limited to high concentrations of jellyfish, sea lice, stingrays, harmful algae bloom, portuguese man o’ war, and sharks.


Can you swim in Gulf Shores right now?

The City of Gulf Shores provides seasonal lifeguard services between March and September, and encourages the public to swim at the protected public swimming areas (Gulf Place, West 6th Street, and Lagoon Pass) when lifeguards are present.

Is it safe to swim in Gulf Shores?

There are absolutely safe places to swim, which are the front Gulf beaches. That’s where 90 percent of the people are,” DePaola said, referring to the beaches east of Fort Morgan, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Pensacola and along the Panhandle of Florida.

Is Gulf Shores water safe to drink?

After collecting 668 water samples in 2016, we are pleased to report our water is safe and meets or exceeds all State and Federal drinking water require- ments.

Is there a flag with purple on it?

Only Two National Flags Use the Color Purple

In fact, only two countries, Dominica and Nicaragua, have purple in their flag.

What does a solid purple flag mean?

Purple flag days are a tradition on Block Island. When the American flag is replaced by a solid purple one on the flagpole located in the middle of Old Harbor, it means that winds are gusting so high that the boats aren’t running. It also means everyone’s staying, and no one is coming, at least by ferry.

What are the flag colors on the beach?

Understanding the beach flag warning system
  • Green Flag: Low hazard- calm conditions, exercise caution.
  • Yellow Flag: Medium hazard- moderate surf and or currents.
  • Purple Flag: Dangerous marine life present.
  • Single Red Flag: High surf and or strong currents.
  • Double Red Flag: Closed to the public.