as jellyfish, stingrays, sea lice, and Portuguese man-of-war. These animals can cause stings or other minor injuries, so beachgoers should pay attention when the flag is flying.
The purple flag can also appear alongside other beach flags. Red or yellow flags, for example, may warn about dangerous surf, strong currents, or other water conditions, while the purple flag specifically highlights marine-life hazards.
A purple flag does not always mean you must leave the beach, but it does mean you should be more cautious. Watch the water, follow posted warnings, and
