The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks has gone "overboard'' with the new "red flag day'' warning, one beachgoer said yesterday.

Mr. Cliff Dillas commented on the recent announcement made by Parks assistant director Mr. William Cooke stating that people even sticking their toe in the ocean when red flags were flying could be prosecuted.

"I am a little mad with Government because they say they will penalise anyone who goes against the flag warnings. But on Monday (Labour Day), the blackboard at Horseshoe Bay, indicating weather conditions, stated that weak swimmers should stay out of the water but it was all right if you were a strong swimmer,'' Mr. Dillas said. "So the blackboard contradicts the red flag warning.'' Mr. Dillas also said lifeguards at the beach never told anyone to get out of the water despite the flags. "I think the only time you would have gotten in trouble on Monday is if you went out 50 yards away from the shoreline.

"I was upset when they said putting your foot in the water would be grounds for prosecution. What happens when you're taking a walk along the shore. I think they have gone overboard as far as their thinking is concerned,'' Mr.

Dillas said.

He added that the Parks Department needed to be more flexible.