Volusia Beach Safety launches flag warning system Ahead of rough weekend

Dangerous surf, rip currents and potentially life-threatening water conditions are expected to hit Volusia County beaches this weekend — and officials want beachgoers to know before they ever step into the water.Volusia Beach Safety is launching a new color-coded flag warning system at lifeguard towers along the beach, designed to alert swimmers to hazardous conditions more quickly and clearly than before.“Starting tomorrow, we will be flying a red and or a yellow flag to indicate what the surf is doing,” said Hailey Monahan, a Volusia Beach Safety lifeguard.The new system replaces the orange flag that has traditionally flown atop lifeguard stands to indicate a staffed tower. Now, those flags will carry a direct safety message. Red flags signal dangerous rip currents or hazardous water conditions, yellow flags indicate moderate surf, and purple flags warn of dangerous marine life in the water.“We just feel like by showing the public more of what color flag it is today, could potentiall