Beach flags, lifeguards, currents and jellyfish explained

Key rules

• Flags: Green is safe, yellow is shallow water only, and red means no swimming.
• Lifeguards: Many beaches have no lifeguards outside summer, and some have none at all.
• Rip current: Never fight a rip current; float, then swim parallel to the shore.
• Emergency: Call 112 for any beach emergency.

What the flags mean

Obey the flag on the day. A green flag means safe swimming, yellow means caution in shallow water only, and red means swimming is prohibited.

Some beaches add a jellyfish warning: a flag or sign with a jellyfish symbol, often purple or blue, or a yellow flag with the symbol. A red flag is sometimes combined with other signs. A sign or flag may also show that nobody is watching the beach. Local authorities can add their own flags or signs, so read the notice board at the beach entrance.

Follow the lifeguards' instructions if they tell you to leave the water, even when the flag looks fine.

When lifeguards are on duty

Lifeguards work in set seasons and hours, and these differ by town and year. Typically the season runs from about June to mid-September, with hours roughly 10:00 or 11:00 to 19:00 or 20:00. Busy beaches may have longer seasons, from Easter to October or all year. Many small or remote beaches have no lifeguards at all.

Outside those times, you swim at your own risk. Check dates and hours on your town hall's website, on the beach signs at the entrance, or on the flag display.

Rip currents

Rip currents are narrow channels of water pulling out to sea. They are mainly a risk on open or surf beaches. Look for:

• a gap in the breaking waves
• discoloured or foamy water
• debris moving out to sea

Choose a beach with lifeguards when you can. If a current catches you:

1. Stay calm and float. Do not fight it.
2. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
3. Return to the beach at an angle.
4. Raise an arm and shout for help.

Do not swim out to rescue someone unless you have a flotation device. Call for help instead.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish are mostly a summer problem. Warnings come from beach flags and signs, lifeguards, and local or regional health and environment services.

If you are stung:

1. Leave the water and rinse the area with sea water, not fresh water.
2. Remove any tentacles with tweezers or a gloved hand. Do not rub.
3. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth.
4. Do not rub with sand or a towel, and do not use urine or alcohol.

Hot water on the skin may ease the pain for some species. Vinegar helps with some species but not all, so ask the lifeguard what is advised locally.

Go to a lifeguard or call 112 if there is difficulty breathing, a sting on the face or a large area, a severe reaction, or if the person stung is a child.

Emergencies

Call 112 for any emergency on a beach. It connects you to police, ambulance, fire and sea rescue. For an emergency at sea you can also call Salvamento Marítimo on 900 202 202.

Beach day checklist for Spanish coasts

Beach day checklist

• Pack high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply it every 2 hours.

• Bring a hat, sunglasses and a UV shirt, especially for children.

• Take plenty of water and some light snacks.

• Set up an umbrella for shade and bring a towel.

• Wear flip-flops so the hot sand does not burn your feet.

• Put a basic first-aid kit in your bag, including vinegar or a gel for jellyfish stings.

• Carry cash or a card, and a bag to take your rubbish home.

• Charge your phone and keep 112 ready for emergencies.

• Plan to be out of the sun between about 12:00 and 16:00.

• Check the flag before you enter the water: swim on green, take care in shallow water only on yellow, and stay out on red.

• Look for a jellyfish sign or flag at the entrance and ask the lifeguard if you are unsure.

• Find out whether lifeguards are on duty today, using the sign at the beach entrance or your town hall's website, and choose a spot near them.

• Read any local signs for extra flags or rules, and follow the lifeguards' instructions.

• Keep children and valuables in sight the whole time.

What to watch out for

• Swimming against a flag: Going in when the flag is red, or ignoring yellow, puts you at real risk of drowning. Green means safe swimming, yellow means caution in shallow water only, and red means swimming is prohibited. Local authorities may add extra flags or signs. Check the flag before you enter the water and follow the lifeguard's instructions. If a sign or flag shows there is no surveillance, take extra care.

• Jellyfish stings: Stings are common in summer. Rubbing the area, using fresh water, sand, urine or alcohol can make the pain worse. Leave the water and rinse with sea water. Remove tentacles with tweezers or a gloved hand without rubbing, and apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth. Look for a jellyfish sign or flag before swimming.

• Severe sting reactions: A sting can become an emergency if you have trouble breathing, are stung on the face or over a large area, or if the person stung is a child. Go to the lifeguard or call 112 straight away.

Frequently asked questions

When are lifeguards on duty at Spanish beaches?

Lifeguards are typically on duty in summer, often from about June to mid-September, roughly 10:00 or 11:00 to 19:00 or 20:00. Some busy beaches have longer seasons, such as Easter to October or all year, and many small or remote beaches have none.

How do I escape a rip current?

Stay calm, float and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then return to the beach at an angle. Never fight the current. Raise an arm and shout for help if you cannot get out.

How can I spot a rip current before I swim?

A rip current often shows as a gap in the breaking waves, discoloured or foamy water, or debris moving out to sea. They are most common on open or surf beaches. Swim where lifeguards are on duty.

Should I swim out to help someone caught in a current?

No, do not go in to rescue someone unless you have a flotation device. Call 112 and alert the lifeguard.