Blue flag beach
City of uMhlathuze Superintendent for
Sports and Recreation - Mark Dixon and
Deputy Director for Parks, Sport and
Recreation - Roland Hinrichs are optimistic
about the application for Blue Flag beach
status
Ronelle Ramsamy
IN a first for Zululand and northern KZN,
the City of uMhlathuze has applied for Blue
Flag beach status and has been put on the
Blue Flag pilot phase.
The Blue Flag is an international annual
award given only to those beaches that meet
excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness
and environmental management.
Identified by the city’s Integrated
Development Plan, the Department of Parks,
Sport and Recreation has commenced with
various activities at Alkantstrand and
Newark beaches to comply with the Blue Flag
criteria.
During the pilot phase between November 2006
and November 2007, the beaches will have to
prove their merit as a future Blue Flag
beach.
According to uMhlathuze City Superintendent
of Sports and Recreation, Mark Dixon, the
Blue Flag criteria cover four aspects of
coastal management including water quality,
environmental education and information,
environmental management and safety and
services.
‘Water samples are taken and assessed twice
a month for the season.
‘There must be 24-hour security and CCTV
camera surveillance as well as lifeguard
service.
‘There should be a detailed map of the
beach, outlining the ablution facilities,
nappy room and facilities for the disabled,’
said Dixon.
The Blue Flag exclusive eco-label is only
valid for one year at a time.
Dixon told the Zululand Observer that they
were working closely with beach managers,
lifeguards and the uMhlathuze Tourism
Association to meet the criteria.
‘We have commenced with the upgrade of the
ablution facilities and must provide access
for the disabled.
‘Crime prevention on the beaches is
imperative and the CCTV camera surveillance
and security has been operational since
2005.
‘We also have to create a no-dog zone,’
added Dixon.
The Blue Flag status ensures that the
beaches are clean, safe and environmentally
friendly.
The award also helps to educate the
community about the need and means for
caring for the coastline, as well as
improving the environmental management of
areas of the coastline.
‘Many tourists choose Blue Flag beaches as
holiday destinations with the assurance of
safety and cleanliness.
‘This will definitely help boost tourism for
the city,’ said Dixon.
The Blue Flag campaign is managed by the
Wildlife and Environment Society of South
Africa (WESSA), in partnership with the
Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism and participating coastal local
authorities under the Coastcare initiative.
The criteria are set by the international
co-ordination of the Blue Flag campaign in
Europe - the Foundation for Environmental
Education.
