Particularly so, when people choose to ignore, or don't know what warning signs or flags may mean. Here's some clarity on signage at the beach, beginning with the purple flag. The Purple Flag Means… ...

If you see a purple flag at the beach, it’s an indication that there are marine pests present in the water. These pests include jellyfish, stingrays and various other dangerous fish.

Purple flag: Marine life warning. Jellyfish, Portuguese Man-of-War stingrays or other hazardous marine life are around. Orange flag: Environmental. Air or water quality risk.

Purple flags—which indicate potential encounters with hazardous marine life—are usually flown in combination with either a green, yellow, red, or orange flag at lifeguard towers in Galveston.

If you see a purple flag at the beach, it’s an indication that there are marine pests present in the water. These pests include jellyfish, stingrays and various other dangerous fish.

Green flags: indicate calm waters; Yellow flags: normal conditions, however swimmers should stay alert. Red flag: strong winds and currents; Purple flag: Marine life warning.