Observe all warning signs. Each year thousands of visitors are rescued by the Newport Beach lifeguards. Before entering the water, be sure to observe the color of the flag flying at the rear of the closest lifeguard tower. Each day, the lifeguard raises a colored flag based on his assessment of the surf conditions. The solid colored flag green represents light surf, yellow represents moderate surf, and red represents heavy or dangerous surf conditions.  

Due to the summer crowds, one more flag may be flying at the front of the lifeguard tower.  The Black Ball Flag, the yellow flag with the black dot in the center, means that hard board surfing is prohibited.  Talk to your lifeguard for more information on the Lifeguard Flag System.