Cape Town boasts the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in South Africa - 10 beaches have been awarded the prestigious status for the upcoming summer season. Llandudno, Fish Hoek, Muizenberg and Camps Bay are among the beaches to be awarded Blue Flag status.
The Blue Flag is an international recognition of excellence in four categories; water quality, environmental education, environmental management and public safety. The National Blue Flag Programme, which is responsible for awarding beaches that excel in these categories, is run by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA).
"The City is proud to consistently maintain its record of providing high quality beaches and associated amenities that contribute to it being an international destination of choice for tourists," says Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Jean-Pierre Smith.
Blue Flag status can be revoked
The Blue Flag status is awarded for one season at a time and can be withdrawn if the beach quality deteriorates. This ensures that beaches remain safe and environmentally-sound even after they have been awarded.
"The City's Recreation and Parks Department works hard to ensure that Cape Town maintains these standards, but we need the public's cooperation to ensure that our beaches are safe recreational spaces," says Smith. Beachgoers need to look out for their safety when swimming and stay within the lifeguard's designated zone.
Bathers also need to adhere to the strict no-alcohol policies on Cape Town's beaches. "We ask beachgoers not to bring alcohol to the beach because not only is it illegal, but alcohol impairs good judgement," advises Smith.
Blue Flag is not a negative reflection on other beaches
Just a handful of Cape Town's hundreds of beaches have been recognised for their excellence, but this does not mean that non-Blue Flag beaches are no good. All beaches in the Cape are maintained to specific standards, and participation in the National Blue Flag Programme is voluntary.
"The Blue Flag is a monitoring tool to assist the City in improving and enhancing services and facilities on all public beaches while maintaining the already-high standards set at the beaches," explains Smith. Many other beaches display many of the Blue Flag characteristics such as clean water, environmental protection and clean facilities.
The following beaches have been awarded full Blue Flag status for the period beginning 1 December 2018 and ending 31 January 2019:
- Bikini Beach (Gordon's Bay)
- Camps Bay
- Clifton 4th Beach
- Fish Hoek
- Llandudno
- Melkbosstrand
- Mnandi Beach (Mitchells Plain)
- Muizenberg
- Silwerstroomstrand
- Strandfontein
Seaforth Beach in Simon's Town has been awarded pilot Blue Flag status for this summer season. It will be eligible for full Blue Flag status if the necessary criteria are met within the festive season.
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