Municipality launches Blue Flag summer season

GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality officially launched its Blue Flag summer season on Monday at Victoria Bay.

The occasion was marked by the hoisting of the Blue Flag by Mayor Jackie von Brandis, accompanied by MMC for Planning and Development Clr Marlene Barnardt, MMC for Community Services Clr Marchell Kleynhans, and Acting Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw.

The Blue Flag programme, a globally recognised eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and tourism boats that meet 33 rigorous criteria, celebrates South Africa’s dedication to sustainable coastal tourism and environmental excellence. In South Africa it is managed by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa).

What visitors can expect

The Blue Flag beach season runs from 1 December to 31 January 2025. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained facilities, clean ablutions, and enhanced safety measures, including lifeguards and first-aid equipment.

Lifeguards will be on duty at Blue Flag beaches daily:

1 to 13 December: 09:00 to 17:00
14 December to 31 January 2025: 07:00 to 19:00.

Visitors to Blue Flag beaches can look forward to well-maintained amenities, clean ablutions, educational displays, and proactive safety measures, including trained lifeguards and first-aid equipment.

Beaches are also tested regularly for water quality by independent laboratories, with results made publicly available on noticeboards and on Wessa's website.

Dogs

Dogs and other pets are prohibited on Blue Flag Beaches to minimise pollution and risks to visitors, with fines imposed for non-compliance.

Beaches may lose their Blue Flag accreditation should the municipality fail to uphold the required high standards for beachgoers.

Economic and environmental impact

Von Brandis highlighted the programme's dual impact: "The Blue Flag recognition not only boosts our appeal to local and international visitors but also drives significant economic benefits for the region. Our investment in this programme reflects our dedication to visitor safety, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism."

Mayor Jackie von Brandis hoists the Blue Flag while MMC for Community Services Marchell Kleynhans, Acting Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw and MMC for Planning and Development Marlene Barnardt look on.

Green Coast Award

The George Municipality is also proud to have received the Green Coast Award for Gwaiing beach and river. This prestigious award recognises sustainable management practices at the biodiverse site.

The Green Coast Award is presented to coastal areas with exceptional biodiversity, emphasising community involvement in the stewardship of these natural environments.

For more information on the Blue Flag Programme and a full list of award-winning sites, please visit here.

From left are lifeguard Vicus Jordaan, acting MM Godfrey Louw, MMC Marlene Barnardt, Mayor Jackie von Brandis, MMC Marchell Kleynhans, lifeguard Talita McDonald and lifeguard Hanno Maritz.