Loading the latest cached Safe2Swim observation.
What do the Panama City Beach flags mean?
Green
Low hazard. Conditions may be calmer, but caution is still required.
Yellow
Medium hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents can be present.
Single red
High hazard. High surf and/or strong currents can make swimming dangerous.
Double red
The water is closed to the public. Do not enter the Gulf.
Purple
Dangerous marine life is present. Purple can appear with another surf-hazard flag.
Why the posted flag matters more than an app
Beach conditions can change during the day. Safe2Swim PCB records public status changes and shows when its cached flag was last verified, but the flag physically posted at the beach and instructions from Beach & Surf Patrol always take priority.
That distinction also matters for historical analysis: a past yellow or red day describes the public hazard decision for that day, not a guarantee about any future date.
Planning a trip?
Use today's flag for today's decision. For future travel dates, Safe2Swim PCB's Vacation Planner compares your trip window with the historical flag archive and environmental context.