Beach warning flags have been used for decades to notify ... When there is a flag that's half-red and half-yellow, it means you are in a recommended swimming area with lifeguards nearby.

While yes, I understood that the red and yellow flags are a patrolled and safe swimming area and that there are often signs accompanying them with beach safety updates like rips, currents and stin ...

Consider your own abilities and where possible, swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags. The flags signify a safe area that is supervised by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.