Mossel Bay beaches blue-flagged

To qualify for Blue Flag status, a beach must comply with 29 criteria as laid down by the international organisation, water quality being one of the most important.

The result of the Mossel Bay Municipality's application for Blue Flag status for the beaches concerned was announced at a function addressed by the Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, in Muizenberg, Cape Town recently. The function was attended by the executive mayor of Mossel Bay, Alderlady Marie Ferreira.

The municipal manager of Mossel Bay, Dr Michele Gratz, said that the award is not only a great honour for Mossel Bay, but will also result in an economic injection for the town as it is a known fact that many tourists are drawn by Blue Flag beaches.

Possibly open for World Cup too

The municipality will initially operate the two beaches as Blue Flag beaches from 10 December 2009 to 31 January 2010, and possibly again for the duration of the 2010 World Cup when thousands of football supporters, especially from Paraguay whose national team will be based in Mossel Bay, are expected to flock to the town.

Beaches are normally operated as Blue Flag beaches for limited periods of time because of the cost and logistical requirements. Blue Flag status is awarded for a year at a time and municipalities must apply annually to renew the status.

The Blue Flag organisation conducts regular inspections when the beaches are in operation to ensure that they continue to meet the criteria laid down.