Ninth Blue Flag for J’Bay

Ninth Blue Flag for J’Bay

JEFFREYS Bay is one of South Africa’s top beach-holiday destinations.

The popular seaside town’s main beach, Dolphin Beach, has been awarded international Blue Flag status for the ninth consecutive year.

Kouga Executive Mayor Booi Koerat said the municipality was thrilled with the achievement since it placed Kouga in the league of major tourist coastal cities such as Nelson Mandela Bay, East London and  Cape Town.

“The Blue Flag is a big drawing card for international and national tourists. Blue Flag beaches are advertised on all major national and international tourism websites. As a Council, we are proud that we have been able to contribute to the growth of our local tourism industry by ensuring that Dolphin Beach retains this prestigious accreditation for the ninth consecutive year,” he said.   

The Mayor said Blue Flag-status beaches had a positive impact on tourism to because they offered visitors the security of knowing that they would be able to relax and enjoy themselves on beaches that complied with strict regulations and standards. 

“This is an internationally-recognised status which is practised in 41 countries. In South Africa, there are 29 beaches with Blue Flag status,” he said.

 He said the programme challenged local authorities, beach operators and authorities, as well as yacht and marine management to achieve high standards in environmental management, environmental education, safety and security and water quality and facilities.

“Since this status is assessed annually for strict control, the programme is also an incentive for local beach operators and marine management to maintain high standards in order to keep the Blue Flag,” he said. “Durban lost its Blue Flag status in 2010 and  has struggled to regain this since.

The criteria on which Blue Flag status is based, are environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety and services, and facilities (eg ablution).