With strong rip currents along the coast this week, town leaders are reminding beachgoers that there’s no flag system or ...

GULF SHORES, AL (WSFA) - As spring break approaches, officials say it's important to be prepared and to understand the beach warning flag system.

Beach warning flags. In 2005, Florida enacted a beach flag warning system, according to the National Weather Service. In a surf zone forecast, there are three levels of rip current outlooks: ...

As Hurricane Erin tracks northward in the Atlantic, its broad wind field is expected to churn up rough seas and dangerous rip ...

None is acceptable. "Once double red flags are announced, we hit the beach and begin making announcements, educating people and warning them of the $500 fine," he wrote in an email.

Galveston’s Flag Warning System gives you a fast, visual way to know how safe the water is for swimming or what might be lurking in the waves that could hurt or sting you.

The flags signify the potential for strong rip currents. "A red flag is flown when conditions are determined to be out of the ordinary, such as presence of strong wind, strong current or large surf.

The fire warning system is statewide. Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island all follow the same Fire Weather Watch and Red Flag Warning levels set by the state’s National Weather Service office.

Red flag warnings mean an increased risk of wildfires in the next 12 to 24 hours, so fire safety is extra important. How do they differ from fire weather watches? And what precautions should you take?