Red flags ban swimming at over 150 Polish Baltic beaches amid hazardous sea conditions

Red flags have been hoisted at more than 150 guarded swimming areas along Poland’s Baltic coast, signalling an absolute ban on entering the water. In the West Pomeranian voivodeship, about 110 beaches—including those at Świnoujście, Międzyzdroje, Dziwnów, Rewal, Kołobrzeg, Mielno, Darłowo and Jarosławiec—are closed, while roughly 50 sites in the Pomeranian voivodeship, such as Ustka, Rowy, Łeba, Władysławowo, Chałupy and the Vistula Spit, face the same restriction. Authorities cite dangerous conditions: high waves, strong winds, strong back‑currents, low water temperature and limited visibility.

Polish beach‑flag regulations also define other colours: a white flag permits swimming, green indicates safety under lifeguard supervision, yellow warns of moderate danger, black and red both prohibit swimming, while a violet flag signals marine‑animal hazards such as jellyfish swarms. Lifeguards use whistle signals and a dedicated emergency number (601 100 100) to coordinate rescues, and a mobile app can alert services to a swimmer in distress.