The flag on a Beach Vibes report is either the lifeguard flag or a prediction. It is not a permit to swim.
Green. Generally calm surf and currents. Swim with usual caution.
Yellow. Moderate surf and currents. Swim with extra caution.
Red. High surf and strong currents. Knee deep can be too deep. Swimming is not recommended.
Purple. Marine life is present. Use caution in the water and along the shoreline.
Double red. Swimming and wading is prohibited in some locations. Review local guidelines. Surfing may still be allowed. Ask a lifeguard if you are unsure.
Official flags
These beaches show the official flag when it was seen within about 30 hours: Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Destin, Seaside, Grayton Beach, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach. If the official flag is older than that, the report falls back to the prediction.
Predicted flags
Every other beach, including Virginia Beach, uses a predicted flag from wave height, wind, and rip risk. The report labels that source so it is not mistaken for a lifeguard posting.
Conditions change faster than a web page. Follow the flags and the lifeguards on the sand.
Questions
Why does the flag disagree with the sign at the beach?
Trust the sign and the lifeguard. The site only shows an official flag when the last check is recent, and a prediction can be wrong.
What does the surf chart color have to do with the flag?
Nothing direct. The chart colors clean, fair, and choppy surf from wind against swell. The flag is the safety posting.