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Life guard stations are almost present at each place where recreation finds place along the Dutch coast. These lifeguard stations have the most update information about the local conditions. Via a warning system they inform the swimmers and people on the beaches. Since 2009 a national warning system with flags is operational. Also in the Netherlands some coastal counties are certified to hoist a blue flag. This flag is obtained if the beach is meeting standards for safety, environmental and water quality. On a beach with blue flag, the life guard meets certain requirements for the granting of such a flag. Among other things, the response time, how quickly it must be at a victim and to use warning flags for warning the visitors of dangers are taken into account.

The flag system looks like this:

Red flag: Forbidden to swim, several counties have anno 2009 difficulty because this is an adaptation of the local police regulation needs.

Yellow flag: Dangerous swimming

Green flag: Safe swimming, however, no life guard will use this because the sea always has risks. The flag system does contain more signals. Depending on the location and community additive information can be displayed.