Myrtle Beach Beach Warning Flags Explained

Myrtle Beach uses colored flags to tell you how safe the ocean is right now: double red means the water is closed, single red means hazardous surf or currents, yellow means a medium hazard, green means conditions are generally good, and blue means dangerous marine life like jellyfish. Checking the flag takes five seconds and is the easiest safety habit you can build during Senior Week.

The Flags at a Glance

These meanings come straight from the City of Myrtle Beach’s beach warning flag system:

Flag	What it means	What you should do
Double red	The water is closed to the public. No swimming.	Stay out of the water completely.
Red	Hazardous conditions, such as strong waves or currents.	Skip swimming, or stay in very shallow water right by a lifeguard.
Yellow	Medium hazard.	Swim near a lifeguard, stay with a buddy, don’t go out far.
Green	Conditions are generally good.	Enjoy it — still swim near a lifeguard.
Blue	Dangerous marine life, such as a high number of jellyfish.	Watch where you step and swim, and ask the lifeguard.

If you see a flag you don’t recognize, ask the nearest lifeguard. Nearby North Myrtle Beach and unincorporated Horry County beaches are run by different governments, so if you’re staying outside Myrtle Beach city limits, check the local signs and lifeguards there.

Green Doesn’t Mean “No Risk”

Even on a green-flag day, rip currents can form without much warning. The flag reflects general conditions, not every spot on the beach. That’s why the most important rule never changes: swim where a lifeguard can see you, and never swim alone.

The National Weather Service recommends these steps if you get caught in a rip current:

1. Relax — a rip current pulls you out, not under.
2. Don’t swim against the current.
3. Swim out of the current (parallel to shore), then head back in.
4. If you can’t escape, float or tread water.
5. Yell or wave for help.

Don’t swim out to rescue a friend yourself. Get a lifeguard or call 911, and throw them something that floats if you can.

Make Flag-Checking a Crew Habit

Senior Week mornings move fast. Somebody wants breakfast, somebody’s still asleep, and half the group is already heading to the sand. Make it one person’s job each day to check the flag and drop it in the group chat. It’s a tiny thing, and it means everyone knows before they run in.

• Look for the flag at the nearest lifeguard stand when you set up.
• Check again after lunch — conditions change during the day.
• Set up your spot within sight of a lifeguard stand.
• If a storm rolls in, get off the beach. When thunder roars, go indoors.

Other Beach Basics in Myrtle Beach

A few city rules that catch visitors off guard (more in our Senior Week rules guide):

• From Memorial Day through the day after Labor Day, only round umbrellas up to 7½ feet across are allowed on Myrtle Beach city beaches — no tents or canopies, except small infant tents (city rules).
• Glass containers and bottles aren’t allowed on the beach.
• Stay off the dunes and sea oats — use the marked paths.

Your 30-Second Beach Check

• What color is the flag at the nearest lifeguard stand?
• Can you see the lifeguard from where you set up?
• Is anyone in your group a weak swimmer? Keep them in shallow water near the guard.
• Is a storm building? If you hear thunder, leave the beach.
• Does everyone know the rip current escape plan?

For Parents

If your grad is heading to Myrtle Beach for Senior Week, the flag system is one of the easiest safety conversations to have before they leave. Ask them to text the group chat the flag color each morning, to swim only near a lifeguard, and to never swim after dark when lifeguards are off duty. More for families on our parents and rules page.

Respect the Lifeguards

Lifeguards are watching hundreds of people at once. Make their job easy and they’ll make your day safer:

• If a lifeguard whistles or waves at you, stop and look — they’re usually signaling you to come in or move.
• Set up your umbrella so it doesn’t block a lifeguard’s view of the water.
• Swim during lifeguard hours. Once they’re off the stands, there’s nobody watching the water.
• If you see someone struggling, tell a lifeguard immediately or call 911.

Quick FAQ

What does a double red flag mean in Myrtle Beach?

The water is closed to the public and no swimming is allowed.

What does a blue flag mean?

Dangerous marine life, such as a high number of jellyfish, according to the City of Myrtle Beach.

Can I swim when the red flag is up?

A single red flag means hazardous conditions like strong waves or currents. The safest call is to stay out, or stay in very shallow water right next to a lifeguard.

Where can I find more Senior Week safety tips?

Read our Senior Week safety guide and the rules, ages and ID page.