From flag warnings to rip currents, Lacy Quinones shares must-know safety tips for a safe day at the beach.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi beachgoers are being urged to stay alert this season as crowds return to the shoreline.
Lacy Quinones with Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation shared essential safety tips, highlighting the importance of beach flag warnings, rip current awareness, and swimming with a buddy.
Quinones explained the city’s flag warning system, which posts daily surf conditions at all beach entrances and online:
Red flag: Highest currents, dangerous waves. “We always recommend to never go in past your waist,” Quinones said.Yellow flag: Medium waves, caution advised.Green flag: Safe to swim, but stay alert.Purple flag: Indicates jellyfish or stingrays near shore. “If you see a lot of dead jellyfish in the sand, there are even more live jellyfish in the water,” Quinones said.Orange flag: Rare environmental warning for bacteria in water or air. “I wouldn’t recommend going to the beach on those days,” she added.
Rip currents remain a serious concern. Quinones described how to recognize and survive them: “If you find yourself caught, stay calm. Swim out to the side, parallel to the shore, rather than fighting the current. Yell for help so lifeguards and your swim buddy can respond immediately.”
Quinones emphasized that the advice applies to both locals and visitors, particularly those unfamiliar with beach conditions. “It’s important to know the flag and water conditions every day. You can’t just go to the beach any day without being aware,” she said.
The City of Corpus Christi posts flag updates and surf conditions every morning on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page, providing a valuable resource for safe beach outings.