Here’s How Malta’s Beach Flag Warning System Works – And Which Bays To Avoid In NW Winds
At the end of a busy week, many citizens of Malta like to head over to the beach and get some time to relax and unwind with their friends and families.
However, it’s always good to be updated on safety features, most notably, the flag warning system which is used by lifeguards at the beach – especially when strong finds are forecast.
The flag warning system is used to inform beachgoers about current swimming conditions and any potential hazards or dangers. The system typically involves a series of coloured flags, with each colour corresponding to a particular type of condition or danger level.
As strong North Western winds are set to hit the island soon, here are what those flag colours mean:
The flag warning system at the beach is used to inform beachgoers about current surf conditions and any potential hazards or dangers. The system typically involves a series of coloured flags, with each colour corresponding to a particular type of condition or danger level.
The specifics of the system can vary from place to place, but generally it includes the following:
- Green Flag: Safe to swim; conditions are calm.
- Yellow Flag: Use caution while swimming; moderate surf or currents.
- Red Flag: High hazard; high surf and/or strong currents. In some places, one red flag might mean that swimming is strongly discouraged, while two red flags could mean that the water is closed to swimming entirely.
- Purple or Blue Flag: Dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish, or other hazardous creatures, are present.
- Orange Windsock: Indicates offshore winds or dangerous water activities; this is typically used to show that it’s unsafe for inflatable objects to be used in the water.
The flags are usually posted at lifeguard stations and should be clearly visible from the beach. It’s always a good idea to check these flags when you arrive at the beach and to be aware of what each colour represents.
They provide crucial information about the current conditions, and following their guidance can help to keep you safe while you’re in or near the water.
Infographic by Malta Red Cross
Moreover, these are some beaches which you should avoid when Malta gets North Western winds – (Majjistral in Maltese) – according to It-Temp Madwarna.
Għajn Tuffieħa
Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa
Il-Ġnejna
Fomm ir-Riħ
San Pawl il-Baħar
Il-Prajjet
Paradise Bay
L-Armier
Kemmuna (bejn il-kmiemen)
Marsalforn (Għawdex)
Id-Dwejra (Għawdex)
Ix-Xlendi (Għawdex)
Image credit: Malta Red Cross
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