Government of Catalonia

Safety recommendations for bathing

Try to bathe in areas which are supervised. Before you enter the water check the flag signal to see whether it is safe to bathe:

• Red flag: No bathing allowed
• Yellow flag: Take precautions when bathing
• Green flag: Bathing allowed

Remember these rules and always respect the advice of lifeguards and the local authorities.

• Watch children carefully at all times. If they cannot swim make sure they wear armbands or swim rings.
• Avoid areas where there are strong currents; you may be swept out to sea without realising it. On windy days don't use lilos or swim rings because they are easily carried away by the current. If there is a storm, do not stay in the water.
• Don't dive head first into the water if you don't know how deep it is or if there are rocks in the area.
• If you swim in the sea stay parallel to the shoreline so that you don't go too far away from the beach. If you can't swim, make sure the water comes no higher than your waist and stay near the shore.
• Allow 2 hours after eating before you swim. Avoid spending too long in the water and staying under water for long periods as this reduces your body's defences.
• Stay clear of areas marked with buoys for water sports, as you could be hit by a surfboard or water scooter.
• To avoid injury be sure to wear suitable footwear when walking over rocks or on mossy surfaces and watch out for sea urchins, jellyfish and scorpion spider crabs. In public showers wear sandals or another suitable type of non-slip footwear.

If you see anyone in trouble in the water notify the lifeguard immediately or call 112. Do not jump into the water to save anyone if you are not a trained lifeguard.