Staff Writer
THREE Cape Town marinas and eight city beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag Status.
The Blue Flag is an international accreditation awarded to beaches that display excellence by meeting 33 criteria, covering four categories including environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.
This was announced at a ceremony hosted by Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom in Knysna yesterday.
Mnandi, Strandfontein, Muizenberg, Llandudno, Camps Bay, Silwerstroomstrand and Bikini beach received full Blue Flag status for the 2014/15 summer season, which lasts from December 1 to March 31, 2015.
“The city is proud that we have consistently maintained our record of providing high quality beaches and associated amenities that contribute to Cape Town being an international destination of choice for tourists,”community services and special projects mayoral committee member Belinda Walker said.
Melkbosstrand beach was awarded pilot Blue Flag status for the 2014/2015 summer season.
Pilot Blue Flag beaches are beaches which are to be considered for full Blue Flag status if certain criteria are met within a specified period of time.