What is a Blue Flag beach?

The Blue Flag beach concept is a relatively new one in South Africa. I think it adds value because it addresses areas that are of concern on our beaches.

A blue flag awarded to a beach assures you that the beach is clean and safe as well as environmentally friendly. It is awarded for one year at a time, so local authorities can't rest on their laurels once they have attained it!

There are also pilot Blue Flag beaches in Cape Town aiming for full Blue Flag status for 2005/6. They are

What are the criteria?

There are many detailed criteria but they fall into 4 categories

Water quality - sea water at the beach must be of an acceptable quality as regards industrial pollutants and bacteria.

Environmental education and information - the beach's tourist information must publicly display information on natural sensitive areas in the coastal zone, including its flora and fauna. The information must include advice on how beach users should behave in such areas.

An environmental management plan must be in place to minimise the impact of visitors on the natural areas surrounding the beach, and to ensure responsible beach management. All accredited beaches must have adequate ablution facilities for visitors.

Safety and services - hmm... when you say safety South Africans will likely think of crime prevention before lifesaving!

Blue Flag requirements for safety are more concerned with water safety - that is provision of lifesaving and similar services and with accident prevention - than with petty crime.

All blue flag beaches must have lifesavers on duty and adequate rescue services, or ready access to a telephone.

So that's it folks! South Africa has been involved with Blue Flag (a Europe-based initiative) since 2001 and the number of accredited beaches keeps rising. I hope there will soon be more in Cape Town. Watch this space!

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