Blue Flag
South Africa

The Blue Flag programme is an international environmental certification programme run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and can be awarded to beaches, marinas as well as tourism boats that meet 33 specific environmental and sustainability criteria.

There are 51 countries globally that participate in the programme. In South Africa, Blue Flag is managed by WESSA, while internationally it is coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

A Blue Flag season is the period when a beach, marina, or boat proudly displays its Blue Flag status, showing they meet high standards in environmental management, safety, and accessibility. For marinas and boats, this season usually runs year-round, while for beaches, it aligns with peak weather months when visitor numbers are highest. During this time, sites must fully comply with all Blue Flag criteria to maintain their status.

It’s important to note that sites are only required to meet these strict criteria during the Blue Flag season. Outside of this period, WESSA cannot hold them accountable to the programme’s standards.

A marina, beach, or boat submits an online application to WESSA each year, which includes an application form along with various supporting documents. For example, beaches must provide water quality results from the past four seasons to demonstrate that their water quality consistently meets the excellent standards required by the criteria. Marinas and boats, on the other hand, need to submit environmental management plans, which include sustainability goals for the upcoming season.

WESSA reviews the application and supporting documents, conducting inspections at new sites to verify compliance with the criteria. Following this, a National Jury meeting is held where each applicant is presented. Discussions cover topics such as water quality results, any non-compliances from the previous season and how these were addressed by the operator, any significant incidents, and the site’s accessibility. The National Jury then makes a recommendation on whether the site should be awarded Blue Flag status, including any conditions or dispensations that may apply.

These recommendations are forwarded to Blue Flag International, where the International Jury makes the final decision on whether to award the site. The final results are communicated back to WESSA, and successful sites are officially recognised at the annual Blue Flag awards ceremony.

Blue Flag is important because it promotes environmental conservation and responsible coastal management. It ensures beaches are safe, clean, and meet stipulated water quality standards, providing visitors with a great experience. Blue Flag sites attract tourists, boosting local economies and supporting coastal communities. Globally recognised as a symbol of quality, the Blue Flag drives sustainable practices while benefiting both people and the environment.

Blue Flag beaches are not dog-friendly during the Blue Flag season and designated operating hours, which typically align with the beach’s lifeguard operating hours.

This restriction helps maintain the high standards of cleanliness, safety, and environmental management required by the Blue Flag programme. However, outside of these times, or sometimes in designated areas where allowed by the municipality, dogs may be permitted.

Always check local signage or contact the beach operator for specific guidelines.

Water quality sampling at Blue Flag beaches is done by an independent and accredited lab against a pre-determined schedule for the season. Results are shared directly with WESSA.

New beaches need 20 water quality samples to qualify. Once awarded, beaches must take a minimum of 5 samples per season evenly spread out, preferably every two weeks but not longer than 30 days between samples. Both E.coli and Enterococci must be tested for. E.coli limit is 250 cfu/100 ml  and Enterococci is 100 cfu/100 ml.

WESSA posts the water quality results on the WESSA website. Should water quality fall outside the Blue Flag parameters, then the flag is lowered until a satisfactory sample, within a maximum of 10 days, is achieved.

Blue Flag beaches are designed to provide a safe swimming experience. Water quality is consistently tested to ensure it meets strict international standards, and lifeguards are on duty during operating hours.

While these measures significantly enhance safety, it’s important to always be cautious, follow lifeguard instructions, and adhere to safety signage.

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label, meaning beaches must actively apply for the award each season. If a beach does not receive Blue Flag status, it could be for one of two main reasons:

1. No Application Submitted: The beach’s management may have chosen not to apply for Blue Flag status that season. This could be due to resource constraints, changes in priorities, or other logistical factors.
2. Non-compliance with Criteria: To achieve Blue Flag status, beaches must meet strict criteria in categories such as water quality, safety, environmental management, and facilities. A beach might fall short in specific areas, such as failing water quality standards, not having adequate facilities like accessible restrooms or lifeguard services, or being unable to meet the environmental education requirements.

Ultimately, the Blue Flag aims to uphold consistent and high standards, and any beach not meeting these standards will not be awarded the flag for that season.

You can find a Blue Flag beach near you by clicking the button below. You’ll find a map providing the locations of all Blue Flag beaches, marinas, and boats in South Africa, making it easy to plan your visit to a certified site.

If you notice any issues at a Blue Flag beach that may not comply with the programme’s standards, please take a photo and include the following details: date, time and name of the beach.

Send this information to the Blue Flag team at blueflag@wessa.co.za.

A Blue Flag Pilot Beach is a site that is in the process of working towards full Blue Flag accreditation. It operates under the same principles and criteria as a certified Blue Flag beach, covering environmental education, water quality, environmental management, safety, and services. Pilot beaches have two seasons to focus on improving certain areas to meet all international standards.

The pilot status allows municipalities and local managers to gain experience with the programme, strengthen compliance, and showcase their commitment to sustainable beach management before applying for full Blue Flag status in a future season.