Lifeguard towers post information boards that have the days info including tides, winds, air and water temps along current beach conditions. Manatee County Beach Patrol also uses a warning flag system to alert patrons of relative safety levels of the water and surf. This "Warning Flag System" is in place on our lifeguard towers.  With a quick glance at an occupied lifeguard stand, beachgoers are able to be informed of the current water safety levels and basic conditions. These can change throughout the day depending on weather or other conditions.
Florida’s beach warning flag program uses flags in four colors accompanied by interpretive signs along the beach to explain the meaning of each color.

• Two red flags - Water Closed to Public (Agua Cerrada al Público)
• One red flag - High Hazard, High Surf and/or Strong Currents (Peligro Alto, Resaca Alta y/o Corrientes Fuertes)
• Yellow Flag - Medium Hazard, Moderate Surf and/or Currents (Peligro Medio, Resaca Moderada y/o Corrientes Fuertes)
• Green Flag - Low Hazard, Calm Conditions, Exercise Caution (Peligro Bajo, Condiciones Calmas, Tenga Cuidado)
• Purple Flag - Dangerous Marine Life (Vida Marina Peligrosa)
• NOTE: The absence of flags does not assure safe waters (La ausencia de banderas no asegura aguas seguras)