Beach season in Ashkelon: flags, lifeguards and safety rules
Under the Ministry of Interior's order, the official bathing season begins on 1 Iyar and ends on 29 Tishrei. Ashkelon has six designated official swimming beaches: the separate (religious) beach, Delilah South, Delilah North, Bar Kokhba South and Bar Kokhba North.
The flags at the lifeguard post indicate whether swimming is permitted: a white flag means calm seas, a red flag means rougher seas where swimming is still allowed (usually with extra caution), and a black flag means entering the water is fully prohibited. Before each season, lifeguards go through refresher training — first aid, physical fitness, and water-rescue drills.
Ashkelon's lifeguard stations are equipped with jet skis, rescue boards and first-aid equipment, with trained medical staff on duty at every station. It's worth checking the specific beach's current status on-site or with the municipality's lifeguards and beaches department on the day of your visit.
FAQ
- How long does the bathing season last in Israel?
- From 1 Iyar to 29 Tishrei, per the Ministry of Interior's order.
- How many official beaches does Ashkelon have?
- Six: the separate beach, Delilah South and North, and Bar Kokhba South and North.
- What does a red flag mean?
- The sea is rougher, but swimming is still permitted — extra caution is recommended.
- What does a black flag mean?
- Entering the water is fully prohibited.
