Upon arriving at the beach, it is easy to notice the colors that shake in the wind. Among them, the half red and half yellow flag stands out. This signage indicates the zone watched by salvator swimmers and reveals where it is safe to enter the sea. Although simple, your presence is critical to the safety of all bathers.
During the bathing season, many Portuguese beaches display this flag, which can change position throughout the day. According to the National Maritime Authority (AMN), the salary swimmers adjust the location of the flag taking into account the state of the sea, the intensity of the currents and the depth of the water. The intention is to ensure that bathers are always in a visible and safe area.
Bathing security and the importance of signaling
The red and yellow flag is not just for decorating the beach. It delimits the supervised zone, where the intervention of salvator swimmers is faster and more effective. Outside this track, the risks increase, especially on extensive beaches or with irregular funds, where chains and hardworks can endanger to experienced swimmers.
According to the same source, respecting the position of the flag is essential. Entering out of the demarcated area can lead to avoidable risk situations, as the swimmer’s response time decreases the further the bathers in the watched area. The red and yellow flag is thus much more than a warning: it is a guide to ensure safety.
History and Patterns of Signaling in Portugal
The use of flags to mark safe bathing zones has long tradition in Portugal and also on various European beaches.
This system emerged to standardize communication between save swimmers and summer, making it evident which are the watched areas, even for those who are unaware of the beach.
In Portugal, the presence of this signage became mandatory in many beaches with vigilance. According to AMN, visual patterns help tourists quickly identify the safest sections. In addition, constant vigilance by professionals increases the confidence of those who venture into the sea, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
How to act when seeing the flag
As you approach the red and yellow flag, the recommendation is clear: remain inside the delimited zone.
This practice increases personal safety and facilitates the work of savator swimmers, which can effectively watch over all the bathers present.
In addition, these professionals can provide information about the state of the sea, chains, waves and other potential dangers.
Respecting the guidelines of swimmers is as important as fulfilling the signaling, the same source explains.
Tips for a safe beach
In addition to observing the flag, there are other measures that help ensure quiet days on the beach. Avoid diving in unknown zones, watching children and respecting the force of the sea are essential. Inform yourself about weather and sea conditions before entering the water is also recommended.
As with according to, the red and yellow flag fulfills a central role in the protection of all those who frequent the Portuguese coast. By respecting this signs, each swimmer contributes to a safe and organized environment, allowing the sea to be enjoyed with confidence and tranquility.
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