What Do the Different Beach Flags Mean in Lanzarote?

If you’re visiting Lanzarote, you’ll probably notice coloured flags flying on or near the island’s beaches.

For many tourists, the meaning of the green, yellow and red beach flags is fairly familiar. But what about a purple flag? What does a chequered flag mean? And does a Blue Flag mean that it’s safe to swim?

With Lanzarote’s beautiful beaches attracting thousands of visitors every year, understanding the beach flag system is an important part of staying safe in the water.

Here’s what the different flags mean – and why you should always check the flag before entering the sea.

A green flag is the one most beachgoers want to see.

It means bathing is permitted and conditions are considered suitable for swimming.

However, green doesn’t mean there is absolutely no risk. The Canary Islands Health Service reminds beach users not to become overconfident, particularly when children are involved or when someone isn’t a strong swimmer. 

Even on a green-flag day:

• Keep an eye on children.
• Don’t swim beyond your ability.
• Be aware that conditions can change.
• Pay attention to lifeguards and local warnings.
• Don’t assume that calm conditions close to the shore mean the whole sea is safe.

Remember, the sea around Lanzarote can change surprisingly quickly.

Swimming is not necessarily prohibited, but there is an increased risk and bathers should take extra care.

The reason could include:

• Stronger waves
• Currents
• Wind
• Poorer sea conditions
• Marine life
• Other temporary hazards

The Canary Islands Health Service advises people who are not confident swimmers, and those with young children, to consider staying out of the water and to ask the lifeguard about possible currents. 

If you do enter the water under a yellow flag, stay close to the shore and don’t take unnecessary risks.

And never assume that because other people are swimming, it must be safe for you.

A red flag means bathing is prohibited.

This is the flag you should take particularly seriously.

There may be dangerous waves, strong currents, hazardous marine conditions or another significant risk to swimmers.

The official Canary Islands guidance is very clear: do not enter the water when a red flag is flying, even if you see other people swimming. 

This is particularly important for visitors who may not be familiar with the beach or the local conditions.

A red flag isn’t a suggestion to “be careful”.

It means don’t swim.

A purple flag is used to warn of a danger from marine life.

This can include situations involving potentially hazardous marine animals or other marine organisms.

Under Canary Islands regulations, the purple flag is specifically used to indicate a danger from marine fauna and should be accompanied by a red or yellow flag. Additional information may also be displayed on the beach. 

This is particularly useful to know in Lanzarote, where visitors may occasionally encounter marine life such as jellyfish.

If you see a purple flag, check the information displayed on the beach and follow the advice of the lifeguards.

A black flag can sometimes cause confusion because its meaning isn’t necessarily the same everywhere.

You may see black flags mentioned in general Spanish beach guides, where they can indicate a beach closure or particularly serious conditions. However, visitors to Lanzarote should not rely on a generic interpretation of a black flag.

Instead, always look for the official information displayed at that particular beach and follow the instructions of the lifeguards or local authorities.

If a beach is closed, don’t enter the water or ignore barriers and warning signs simply because other people appear to be doing so.

You may also come across a black-and-white chequered flag.

This is not a warning about the general swimming conditions.

Under Canary Islands beach-safety regulations, a black-and-white chequered flag is used to identify areas designated for sporting or nautical activities. 

These areas may be used for activities such as water sports.

If you’re swimming, make sure you stay within the designated bathing area and don’t wander into an area being used for water sports.

This is one of the most common points of confusion for visitors.

A Blue Flag is not the same thing as a green bathing flag.

The Blue Flag is an environmental and quality award recognising beaches that meet criteria relating to areas such as environmental management, water quality, safety, accessibility and services.

So if you see a beach displaying a Blue Flag, it doesn’t automatically mean that the sea is safe to swim in at that particular moment.

The daily bathing conditions are indicated by the beach’s safety flags.

In other words:

Blue Flag = quality/environmental award

Green Flag = bathing permitted

They are completely different things.

One of the most important things to remember when visiting Lanzarote is that the sea doesn’t stay the same all day.

Wind, waves, currents and other conditions can change, meaning that a beach which was flying a green flag earlier could later display yellow or red.

Canary Islands authorities specifically warn that sea conditions can change quickly and encourage beach users to respect the flags and safety instructions. 

So don’t just look at the flag when you arrive and forget about it.

Keep checking it.

And if a lifeguard tells you to get out of the water, listen to them.

A lack of a flag doesn’t necessarily mean that the sea is automatically safe.

Some beaches may not have lifeguard services, while others may only have surveillance during certain hours.

If there is no lifeguard present, you need to take responsibility for assessing the conditions yourself and should be particularly cautious.

Look at:

• The waves
• The wind
• The currents
• Warning signs
• Local conditions
• Advice from authorities

And never assume that a deserted beach is a safe beach.

If there’s one thing you remember, make it this:

The flag on the beach is there for a reason.

Don’t ignore a red flag because you see other people swimming.

Don’t assume a yellow flag means “it’s basically green.”

And don’t assume that a Blue Flag means the sea is safe today.

Lanzarote’s beaches are one of the island’s greatest attractions, but the Atlantic deserves respect.

Check the flag, listen to the lifeguards and enjoy the sea safely.