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Sunday, November 3, 2024

Eight City beaches awarded Blue Flag status

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Eight Cape Town beaches have been awarded prestigious Blue Flag status for the 2024/25 season.

 

This coveted international recognition is given to beaches that meet high standards of environmental management, water quality, safety and services and environmental education.

 

At a national ceremony held in Cape Town on 28 October, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) announced the Blue Flag and Green Coast awards for the 2024/25 season.

 

City representatives at the 2024/25 Blue Flag announcement event

 

The City’s Recreation and Parks Department says it is dedicated to maintaining these standards, ensuring that our coastline remains a safe and enjoyable destination for residents and visitors alike.

 

The Blue Flag programme, a globally recognised eco-label, promotes sustainable development at beaches, marinas and tourism boats through strict criteria that help ensure the integrity of our marine and coastal resources for generations to come.

 

For the 2024/25 season, the City of Cape Town’s eight Blue Flag beaches are:

 

• Silwerstroomstrand
• Clifton 4th
• Camps Bay
• Llandudno
• Muizenberg
• Bikini Beach
• Melkbosstrand
• Fish Hoek

 

The 2024/25 Blue Flag season officially opens on 1 December 2024 and runs until 31 January 2025 at all accredited beaches.

 

During the operating times posted at these beaches and confirmed by the visual presence of the Blue Flags flying over them, beachgoers can look forward to pristine coastal conditions, sea-water quality tested weekly, well-maintained facilities and enhanced safety measures.

 

A key focus this season will be water safety. Lifeguards will be on duty and safety information will be prominently displayed at each Blue Flag beach to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience.

 

A lifeguard on duty at Blue Flag awarded Llandudno beach

 

The city will embark on educational initiatives, including drowning prevention campaigns and learn-to-swim programmes at public recreational facilities.

 

The Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health Patricia van der Ross says they are thrilled at the recognition.

 

‘This recognition highlights our commitment to maintaining safe, clean and accessible coastal spaces. We commend our staff for their hard work in achieving this prestigious accolade. The Blue Flag symbolises our commitment to environmental conservation and responsible coastal management for the 2024/25 season. We encourage all beachgoers to enjoy our beaches responsibly and look forward to a successful summer.’

 

Liesl Smit
Liesl Smit
Liesl is the Smile 90.4FM News Manager. She has been at Smile since 2016, with nearly 20 years experience in the radio industry, including reading news, field reporting and producing. In 2008 she won the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award, Western Cape region. liesl@smile904.fm

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