EnviroKids 38 Marine & Blue Flag Summer 2017

Signs like this one at Muizenberg Beach in )alse %ay, help you to find your way around, understand the rules of beach use, and check the seawater quality.

What does it take to get Blue Flag status?

South Africa’s Blue Flag eco-tourism boats offer exciting activities like whale- and dolphin- watching as well as shark cage diving. These companies need to be environmentally sustainable, operate safely, and respect the marine animals around them. Blue Flag marinas need to have visibly clean water, recycling bins and clear safety precautions. They should also get rid of hazardous wastes responsibly. The internationally recognised Blue Flag is good for tourism, as visitors to our beautiful coastline know they can expect clean, safe and eco- friendly beaches, boats and marinas.

Blue Flag beaches need to pass 4 main ‘tests’: 1 Environmental education and informa- tion : Is there info about the beach and how to use it? Do beach managers run environmental education activities? 2 Excellent water quality : Is the water clean for healthy swimming? (See how this water is tested on page 8.) 3 Environmental management: Does the beach operate in a way that respects the natural environment? 4 Safety and services: Does the beach have clean, working toilets, lifeguards on duty, and a nearby security guard?

1. About 45 countries have Blue Flag sites today. 2. There are just over 4 400 Blue Flag beaches, boats and marinas in the world. 3. Spain has had the most Blue Flag sites every year since it joined the programme! 4. South Africa was the first country outside of Europe to get Blue Flag status for its beaches. Grotto and +umewood were the first 5. South Africa and Morocco are the only countries on the African continent with Blue Flag sites. 6. South Africa is in the top 15 of total number of Blue Flag sites. Fast facts*

humEWood BEach, P.E, algoa Bay Enjoy sightings of amazing marine life, including dolphins, gannets, penguins and sea- sonal southern right whales, at this spectacular spot in the “Friendly City”.

Grotto BEach, hermanus, Walker Bay This typical Southern Cape sandy beach is popular with locals and holidaymakers, and is perfect for long beach walks.

* Correct at time of going to press

EnviroKids Vol. 38(4), Summer 2017 5

Words Renata Harper