What does the yellow flag with the black spot mean at the beach?

Question

You see them on the life guard towers.

Answer 1

The Flag System used may be slightly different for each county and state.  Here are the meanings in Orange County, California:

Solid Red - Dangerous Surf (could mean big waves, or extremely strong currents or stormy conditions).

Solid Yellow - Enter water with caution.  Medium danger.

Solid Green - Gentle surf, safe conditions.

Yellow Flag with Black Circle - Also called "black ball" means "No Hard Boards."  This includes skim boards, surf boards, and even "soft top" foam boards such as Doyles.  Body boards, body surfing, and swimming are still ok.  

Some beaches in California don't use the same flag system.  In some LA and San Diego beaches, they will have either wooden signs or large checkered flags that let people know where they are allowed to swim and where they are allowed to surf.  I like this system.  It keeps the surfers away from the swimmers, and the swimmers away from the surfers.

Answer 2

I think it means that there are 250 lb men with big guts and large b*****s in the water.

Answer 3

no surfing

Answer 4

A red flag means- no lifeguards, swim at your own risk. If standing on the shoreline though they mean to only swim between those areas.

A Yellow flag means- minimal lifeguards.

A Green flag means- Lifeguards on duty.

A yellow flag with a black dot means Swimming and body boarding only. No Surfing is allowed.