Uniform Warning Flags for Florida Beaches

1
Uniform Warning FlagsforFlorida Beaches
FLORIDA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Department of
Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth
Boulevard, MS 47, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
2
FLORIDA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Department of
Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth
Boulevard, MS 47, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
ss. 380.276(2) (3), Florida Statutes Directs
the Florida Coastal Management Program to

• Develop a program to encourage
• The display of uniform warning and safety flags
  at all public beaches where
• Warning flags are displayed, and
• Lifeguards are on duty
• The placement of uniform notification signs that
  identify the meaning of the flags

v
v
3

• The program shall provide
• A standard size, shape, color, and definition for
  each warning and safety flag
• Provide for the placement of legible, uniform
  notification signs in a conspicuous location, at
  all designated public access points
• The flags incorporate a numerical designation to
  accommodate persons who are colorblind
• That flags not specifically defined by the
  department must be identified by the entity
  displaying the flags in the posted notification
• Guidelines for the periodic replacement of flags

v
v
X
v
X
4
FLORIDA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Department of
Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth
Boulevard, MS 47, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
s. 380.276(4), Florida Statutes Also
authorizes the establishment and operation of a
program to encourage the display of uniform
warning flags at all public beaches along the
coast
5
FLORIDA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Department of
Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth
Boulevard, MS 47, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

• The department consulted
• The Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association
• The United States Lifesaving Association, and
• The International Lifesaving Federation

6
FLORIDA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Department of
Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth
Boulevard, MS 47, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

• The Florida system uses five flags and an
  interpretive sign that explains the meaning of
  each flag
• The size and color of the flags are based on the
  system initially proposed by the International
  Lifesaving Federation
• The flags are
• 29.25H x 39W
• (750mm) x (1000mm)
• The signs are
• 36H x 30W

7
FLORIDA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Department of
Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth
Boulevard, MS 47, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
8
(No Transcript)
9
FLORIDA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Department of
Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth
Boulevard, MS 47, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

• The DEP is authorized to adopt rules to
  implement the program
• DEP has chosen a non-regulatory, incentive based
  approach
• Flags and signs are provided FREE of charge to
  local governments that provide PUBLIC beach
  access

10
FLORIDA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Department of
Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth
Boulevard, MS 47, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

• Local Government Responsibilities
• The proper use of the flags
• Warning flags must monitored
• Flags must be changed when the conditions warrant
  it
• Signs installation
• Signs should be placed in a conspicuous location,
  at all designated public access points