Sunday 26th July 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
Bridlington’s RNLI lifeguards are reminding beach visitors to check safety flags and signs before heading into the water, as changing sea conditions continue to catch people out along the East Yorkshire coast.
The charity says a quick glance at the beach flags can be one of the simplest ways to stay safe, especially during the busy summer season.
Lifeguards patrol clearly marked zones using red-and-yellow flags, which show the safest place to swim or bodyboard. Water sports such as paddleboarding, surfing and kayaking are directed to areas marked with black-and-white chequered flags, where swimming is not permitted.
A red flag means conditions are dangerous and nobody should enter the water. Meanwhile, a green flag indicates calmer conditions — but RNLI crews stress that “calm doesn’t always mean safe”, with tides, currents and waves capable of changing quickly.
Beach signage also plays a key role in keeping visitors informed. Hazard signs, shown as yellow triangles, warn of risks specific to the area, while prohibition signs — red circles with diagonal lines — indicate activities that are not allowed, such as swimming or surfing in certain zones.
A lifeguard off-duty sign means no lifeguard service is available, and visitors should take extra care.
The RNLI says understanding beach flags and signs is essential for anyone heading to the coast this summer.
“A quick look at the flags before you enter the water could save a life,” the charity advises.
More beach safety guidance is available at: rnli.org/water-safety/beach-safety
