The flags fluttering on the lifeguard stands at Anna Maria Island’s two public beaches, Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, are color coded to warn about different conditions that beachgoers should be aware of. Here’s how to read them:
- Double red – no swimming allowed
- Red – swim with extreme caution due to strong currents or rough surf
- Yellow – swim with caution due to moderate currents or surf
- Green – swimming allowed, calm conditions
- Purple – presence of marine pests such as jellyfish, sharks, stingrays or red tide
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