That purple flag you sometimes notice fluttering above a lifeguard stand isn’t random decoration, and it’s not there to add color to the shoreline. It’s a quiet but important signal that the ocean has changed. When a purple flag is raised, it means potentially dangerous marine life—such as jellyfish, stingrays, or other stinging or biting creatures—has been spotted in the area. The beach itself is usually still open, and people are not necessarily prohibited from entering the water. However, conditions are no longer considered routine. The presence of marine life introduces a new level of risk, one that requires awareness,...
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