Blue Flag glory for Overstrand

South Africa has been awarded 77 Blue Flag status sites for 2020/21, made up of 48 beaches, 6 marinas, 4 boats as well as 19 pilot status sites – all recognised for their excellence in the areas of cleanliness, safety, environmental standards and amenities. This was revealed at the National Blue Flag Launch held in Durban on 27 November.

Most Blue Flag sites listed are in the Western Cape, with Overstrand reclaiming all four Blue Flag beaches. The accreditation is awarded for one season at a time and municipalities must apply annually to renew the status of their beaches. If conditions at the beach deteriorate, it can be withdrawn. Overstrand Municipality was applauded for the role they play in ensuring the retention of the status.

In addition, Grotto beach in Hermanus celebrates a remarkable 20 consecutive years on the program. What makes this accolade even more noteworthy, is that Grotto and Humewood in Port Elizabeth are the only two beaches that hold the record for being awarded the longest uninterrupted Blue Flag association in the country.

Hawston and Kleinmond beaches have enjoyed Blue Flag status for 15 consecutive years, while this summer will be the second Blue Flag season for Castle beach in Pearly Beach. Onrus beach was awarded pilot Blue Flag Status for the 2020/21 summer season, which means Onrus will be considered for full Blue Flag status if certain criteria are met within a specified period of time. (Pilot sites are recognised for working towards meeting the minimum requirements for full Blue Flag status).

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