Going to the beach seems simple — and it is, if you have the right things with the right knowledge. But between unnecessary sunburn, unexpected rip currents or simply spending 2 hours looking for parking, there is plenty of room to improve the experience.
How to read beach flags
- Green flag — excellent conditions, safe bathing, lifeguard on duty
- Yellow flag — caution, unstable conditions or rough sea, bathe with care; lifeguard on duty
- Red flag — no bathing; dangerous conditions
Rip currents: how to recognise and what to do
Rip currents are the main cause of drowning on Portuguese beaches. If caught in one: do not swim against the current — swim parallel to the beach to escape laterally. If you cannot get out, signal to the lifeguard and stay afloat.
