Importance of Safety Flags

Safety flags are commonly used on the beach.

A safety flag is an international sign for safety used in places like the beach to indicate which areas are hazardous or safe. The level of safety indicated varies with color.

Identification

Most safety flags look like simple flag with the safety level indicated by color. For example, according to the World Conference on Drowning Prevention website, a red flag near a certain area of the beach indicates a high danger zone where swimming is prohibited while a yellow flag indicates a medium hazard. A red over red flag indicates that the water is closed for public use.

Function

By informing citizens of danger and safety issues, flags can help spread life-saving information about places that may be hazardous. In addition, safety flags can protect land and venue owners from litigation.

Economical Function

Safety flags can serve an economical function for companies and land owners. Signage that indicates a hazardous place is a low-cost alternative to hiring someone to stand at post to inform people of danger zones.

References

• World Conference on Drowning Prevention: ISO Safety Flags
• International Life Saving Federation: Beach Safety and Information Flags