GEORGE NEWS - The George Municipality officially launched its Blue Flag summer season at Herold’s Bay Beach, one of the city’s fully accredited Blue Flag beaches, on 1 December.
The day also saw the deployment of over 60 lifeguards across George’s beaches and public swimming pools for the festive season. The season runs from 1 December to 28 February.
Mayor Browen Johnson hoisted the Blue Flag to mark the start of the season, joined by Deputy Mayor Gert van Niekerk, Cllr Erika Brown (MMC for Community Services), Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw, several councillors, senior officials and the 2025/26 lifeguard team.
George proudly maintains three full-status Blue Flag beaches - Wilderness, Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay - while Leentjiesklip Beach continues as a pilot Blue Flag site.
Johnson said: “Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay and Wilderness Beach have once again achieved full Blue Flag Status, and Leentjiesklip continues as a valued pilot site. We are thrilled to welcome visitors to our coastline.
George is the ultimate summer destination. The Blue Flag programme enhances George’s appeal to visitors and strengthens the local economy.
It reflects our commitment to safety, environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. Visitors may enjoy clean facilities, visible safety personnel and high water-quality standards monitored by independent laboratories.”
Executive Mayor Browen Johnson (centre), flanked by Nosidima Vumindaba, Manager: Parks and Recreation (left), and Cllr Erika Brown, MMC for Community Services (Refuse, Environmental and Parks), together with the George lifeguard team and law enforcement officers at the launch of the 2025/26 Blue Flag summer season at Herold’s Bay.
About the Blue Flag Programme
The internationally recognised Blue Flag Programme is managed in South Africa by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (Fee). Sites must meet 33 strict criteria covering water quality, environmental education, accessibility, safety and visitor facilities.
Wessa’s CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete, said: “Blue Flag and Green Coast flags are more than symbols; they represent South Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Regular inspections throughout the season ensure compliance, and failure to maintain standards may result in temporary or permanent loss of Blue Flag Status. Visitors are urged to follow beach signage, respect lifeguard instructions and report any concerns to the beach manager or Wessa.
Lifeguard deployment
Lifeguards will be stationed at Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness’ main beach and Leentjiesklip as follows:
• 1-13 December: 09:00-17:00 daily
• 14 December - 28 February: 07:00-19:00 daily
• 1 March - 7 April: weekends, public holidays and school holidays, 09:00-17:00.
Additional lifeguard sites in December to January include the Gwaiing River Mouth, the Wilderness Lagoon and Steps Beach. From 8 April to 30 November, no lifeguards will be on duty.
Strict Blue Flag rules apply. Dogs and pets are prohibited on Blue Flag beaches. Non-compliance may result in fines and could affect Blue Flag Status.
Green Coast recognition
George is also proud that Gwaiing Beach has received the Green Coast Award, recognising excellence in sustainable coastal management and community-led stewardship.
For more information and a full list of accredited sites, click here.
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