South Africa Beaches

The Blue Flag program is currently run in over 42 countries globally and interest in the program continues to grow.

The Blue Flag initiative was born in France in 1985, with the first coastal municipalities awarded the Blue Flag on the basis of sewage treatment and bathing water quality.

There are now almost 4 000 Blue Flag beaches and marinas around the world.

The Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) has announced that 64 Blue Flags will be flown at 45 beaches, nine marinas and by 10 sustainable tourism boats around South Africa over the forthcoming 2018/19 Blue Flag season.

Now in its 32nd year, the Blue Flag program is  focused on the conservation of marine and coastal habitats, and is designed to raise environmental education and awareness, and increase sound environmental practices among tourists, local populations and beach management.

To achieve Blue Flag status, as many as 33 different criteria spanning four aspects of coastal management must be met and maintained: water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services.

Each Blue Flag site is compelled to conduct several environmental education activities during the year, and practice effective and efficient conservation management.

South Africa 2021  Blue Flag beaches: