What do the yellow flags mean at Park Point beach accesses?

Jane Jul 01, 2011 5 Comments

We saw them at Tot Lot and the firehall on Park Point. Riptide? E. coli? What?

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5 Comments

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago 

The Duluth Fire Department issued a Condition Yellow Flag along Park Point beaches on Thursday, continuing until further notice. There are flags at the 12th Street beach, Lafayette Square and Park Point by the Public Beach House. 

A yellow flag means a moderate risk of rip currents. Only experienced surf swimmers -- or people who think they are hot shots -- should enter the water when there is a yellow flag.

Hot Shot

about 13 years ago 

Hot Shots, eh?

I accept!

wildgoose

about 13 years ago 

I saw those on Wednesday actually (beforethe PDD birthday bash).  So does the city take them down when the currents "go away" or are there just always rip currents there?  It's something I grew up with so I have never thought about it as something that needs a flag.  But hey, I'm all for safety.

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago 

The Goose is correct. The first notice of the Condition Yellow Flag was given on Wednesday. It was repeated on Thursday.

Eric Thompson

about 13 years ago 

The firefighter at Station Five checks the surf zone forecast online each day from June 15th to October 15th and flys either a green, yellow, or red flag at the locations mentioned by Paul.  Affixed to each flag pole is a rip current awareness sign, as well as a sign explaining the beach flag warning system:  

Green Flag- Used to indicate calm conditions. Signs should be closed indicating beaches open.

Yellow Flag- Used to indicate moderate surf, possible rip currents and/or deteriorating conditions. Signs should be open indicating beaches closed.

Red Flag- Conditions indicate strong rip currents. All persons advised to stay out of water. Signs should be open indicating beaches closed.

If you're ever caught in a rip current remain calm so you can think clearly.  Don't fight the current, instead swim parallel to the beach until out of the current and then swim diagnonally to shore.

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