The beach flag colours are the first language of safety: white — bathing permitted; red — bathing is dangerous, enter with great caution and only where allowed; black — bathing is completely forbidden. A purple flag sometimes marks the presence of marine life such as jellyfish. Always obey the flag and the lifeguard’s instructions.

The most important rule: only enter the water at a declared beach, during the hours when the lifeguard station is staffed, and swim within the marked area in front of it. Rip currents are the most common danger — if you’re swept out, don’t fight the current; swim parallel to the shore until you’re free, then return to the beach.

A "declared" bathing beach is one where the local authority has arranged safety services — lifeguard service, rescue equipment and defined operating hours. Note that declaration is an official status of the beach: it does not tell you the station is staffed at any given moment, so check the operating hours and the flag that is flying. Non-declared beaches offer no guarantee at all, so the risk is higher. It’s always better to choose a declared beach, especially with children. For more, see our safety page.