Blue Flags for 3 George beaches

GEORGE NEWS - Three George beaches - Victoria Bay, Wilderness and Herold's Bay - were awarded Blue Flag status for 2023-2024 at the national handover ceremony of Wessa this morning in Wilderness.

George Municipality hosted the event at Salinas Restaurant in Wilderness.

Delegates from various coastal municipalities attended.

Leentjiesklip has pilot status and George Mayor Leon van Wyk said they are working towards having four Blue Flag beaches.

"We are very proud. Blue Flag status is of enormous importance to particularly international visitors because they understand the quality status of a Blue Flag beach. We firmly believe it adds to the quality of the experience that our tourists will enjoy while they are visiting our area."

Wessa CEO Helena Atkinson said in order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. "At Wessa, a lot of our work would not have been possible without the support of the local communities, businesses, environmental stewards, and volunteers who have embraced our vision to lead citizen action.

"Thank you especially today to our host, George Municipality. Your commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship has not only strengthened our collective impact but has also set a shining example for municipalities across the country. Your dedication to protecting and nurturing our coastline is truly commendable," she said.

Guests were given a demonstration on the beach of a new high-tech drone that the George Fire Services acquired to assist in emergencies, whether at sea or on land.

A demonstration was held of the new high-tech drone of the George Fire Brigade that can be used in emergency rescue operations.