New flags on Holland's beaches: security and clarity for vacationers!

New flags on Holland's beaches: security and clarity for vacationers!

From summer 2025, a new flag system will be introduced on the Dutch beaches. This is intended to increase security and improve the intelligibility of the flags for bathers. According to localkompass.de aims to establish uniform colors and symbols in order to minimize confusion. The initiative is necessary because numerous tourists from different countries flock to the beaches that are not familiar with the previous flags annually.

Among the new flags, the red-yellow flag will continue to display the guarded bathing area. The yellow flag means "Attention, it can be dangerous", for example due to strong currents. A bathing ban is signaled by the red flag. The new flags also include those that draw attention to environmental problems and jellyfish. The aim of these measures is to increase the safety of the bathers and to improve the cooperation between surfers, swimmers and other beach visitors. In addition, the number of trash cans is increased on heavily frequented beaches, and smoking bans in certain areas apply.

clear symbols and multilingualism

The new flags are provided with simple symbols to further increase the intelligibility. For example, a crossed -out air mattress will show the risk, while a specific sign indicates the dangers of jellyfish. Informative plates with explanations on the importance of flags are set up in Dutch, German and English to ensure broader communication. An investigation by the Vrije Universityitait Amsterdam showed that many visitors often interpret the previous flags incorrectly, which in some cases led to dangerous situations, such as ruHR24.de reported.

A few important flags and their meanings are:

• red-yellow flag: lifeguards monitor the beach section.
• Red flag: danger to life - bathing.
• yellow flag: bathing at your own risk, not recommended.
• white flag with a blue question mark: a missing child was found; Parents should report to the rescue station.
• Orange -colored flag: warning of the use of air mattresses and swimming aids due to ingredient wind.
• purple flag: signals water pollution or dangerous sea animals.
• Green flag: free trip to swimming.
• Blue flag: environmental seal for particularly clean beaches, no bathing signal.
• black and white flags: mark water sports zones for surfers.

The new flags are already visible on many beaches in Zeeland, Zandvoort and on Texel. By summer 2027 at the latest, all Dutch coastal towns are said to have implemented the new flag system. Holidaymakers are strongly recommended to find out about the new flags and to contact the lifeguards in the event of uncertainties to ensure safe bathing pleasure.