Tampa Bay Beach Flags Today
Flag status where one is posted, plus rip current risk for every beach
From Tarpon Springs to Venice.
The National Weather Service issues one surf and rip current forecast for the whole coast from Pinellas to Sarasota, so those numbers match beach to beach. Flags are different: they’re posted by lifeguards or park staff, and only where someone is on duty. Tides come from the nearest Gulf-side station.
Loading current conditions…
What each color means.
Green — low hazard, calm conditions
Yellow — moderate surf or currents, use caution
Red — high surf or dangerous currents
Double red — water closed, no swimming
Purple — dangerous marine life
No lifeguard means no flag. On an unguarded beach, the rip current risk is the best guide you have.
Caught in one? Here’s what to do.
⚠️ Stay calm — panic is your biggest enemy.
- Don’t fight it. Rip currents are strong but narrow. Swimming straight back to shore will wear you out fast.
- Float and relax. Tread water or float on your back. The current usually weakens within 50–100 yards.
- Swim parallel to the beach. Once the pull eases, swim sideways along the shore until you’re out of it.
- Head in at an angle. Swim back toward the beach on a diagonal so you don’t swim back into the rip.
- Signal for help. Wave your arms and yell so lifeguards or people on the beach can see you.
🏊 Never swim alone. Swim near a lifeguard when you can, and call 911 in an emergency.