Cllrs Virginia Camealio-Benjamin and Thandeka Maseti are helped by life guard Zweli Mafutha (left) and beach coordinator Danie Ruiters to hoist the Blue Flagand the Wessa Flag.
Kouga retained its Blue Flag status when Dolphin Beach at Jeffreys Bay received the nod to fly the flag for the 11thconsecutive year.
This elite status, adjudicated by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa), is a sought-after international accolade that assures holiday-makers of the quality of the beach they have chosen to visit.
At the launch on Friday, Kouga Social Services Portfolio Councillor Thandeka Maseti said the municipality was proud to have met Wessa’s stringent requirements.
“Amongst the features we have added are extensions to the ablution facilities for disabled visitors. These now include showers, specifically designed to cater for the needs of people with disabilities.
“We have also made improvements to the ramp as the previous one was deemed too steep for wheelchairs,” she said.
Maseti said Kouga was also proud of securing pilot status for Cape St Francis as the municipality works towards increasing the number of local beaches with Blue Flag status.
“We are going to work hard to ensure that we celebrate the addition of Cape St Francis to the list of Blue Flag beaches,”she added.
Dolphin Beach was also rated “number one” by readers of The Herald newspaper among all coastal areas during a poll held during the previous summer season.
Wessa’s Ted Knott made a commitment to assist Kouga in retaining the current status and obtaining more Blue Flags.
“You must draw inspiration from your neighbouring municipalities and gun for more of your beaches having Blue Flags. We will be here with you every step of the way,” he said.
There were also messages of support from the police and the Association of People with Disabilities.
The municipality’s law enforcement officers and lifesavers will also be working closely with the NSRI, Private Care ambulances for the safety of local people and visitors.
A total number of 41 life guards will be stationed at Kouga’s swimming beaches, with nine at Dolphin Beach and four each at Kabeljous, Aston Bay, Paradise Beach, Hobie Beach (St Francis Bay), Cape St Francis, Oyster Bay and Pellsrus.
Life guards will be on the beach from 9am to 6pm at Dolphin Beach and from 8am to 5pm at all other beaches, subject to change.
There will be four law enforcement officers for the season at the Blue Flag beach.
This year Kouga Municipality trained a further 18 lifeguards who have been tested and passed the test.
