A purple flag at the beach signals dangerous marine life—an often-ignored warning that could protect you from serious harm in the water

is alive—and that entering it requires awareness, caution, and respect.

For illustrative purposes only

WHAT A PURPLE FLAG ACTUALLY MEANS

A purple flag indicates that hazardous marine life has been detected in the area.

That warning may involve:

Jellyfish
Portuguese man o’ war
Stingrays
Sea urchins
Venomous fish
Other stinging or biting sea creatures

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