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Purple flag? Watch out, you may get stung.

The Gibraltar Government has introduced a new flag colour to the existing range that is in place to protect users when they venture into the water.

The flags and their corresponding colour scheme are there to advise users as to the safety and state of the sea.

The new beach flag, is purple, and it means that jellyfish or other dangerous marine life are in the area.

When potentially dangerous ocean animals have been spotted, the public will see a purple flag. These flags fly either on their own or with other coloured flags.

“If you see a purple flag, the water is not closed to swimming, but use extreme caution and keep a close watch for dangerous animals,” said a Government spokesman.

As a reminder to the public, the other flags have the following meaning:

Yellow Flag - When ocean conditions are calm or moderate, but not life-threatening, users will see a yellow flag on the beach. It is safe to swim.

Red Flag – Red flags warn swimmers of severe hazards in the water. When this flag is up, the water is closed to swimming, as conditions are too dangerous for even the strongest swimmers.

“Bathing is always at your own risk but understanding and heeding these coloured flags keeps you safe in the water and will help users to have a more enjoyable experience at the beach,” said a statement from the Government.

“A flag flying also denotes that lifeguards are on duty.”

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