Cape Town’s Blue Flag beaches have retained their title for yet another summer.
This is excellent news for anyone intending to spend a day at the beach during the festive season.
Additionally, there are four more beaches that are working towards achieving the same accolade.
A total of eight beaches in Cape Town have secured full Blue Flag status for the 2026-2027 season.
The program also recognized another four as Blue Flag pilots, which is a preliminary step towards full certification.
The announcement was made at the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards ceremony held at Grotto Blue Flag Beach in Hermanus on Thursday, 8 October.
CAPE TOWN’S EIGHT BLUE FLAG BEACHES
As stated by the City of Cape Town, the eight beaches that hold full Blue Flag status are:
- Bikini Beach
- Camps Bay Beach
- Clifton 4th Beach
- Fish Hoek Beach
- Llandudno Beach
- Melkbosstrand
- Muizenberg Beach
- Silwerstroomstrand
This marks the fifth consecutive season that Cape Town boasts eight beaches with full Blue Flag status, upholding the city’s participation in the program for 25 years.
On a national level, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) has granted full Blue Flag status to 50 beaches, with an additional 20 designated as pilot locations.
FOUR MORE BEACHES ON THE WAY
Four beaches in Cape Town have been designated as Blue Flag pilots. They must adhere to the same rigorous standards as beaches with full Blue Flag status:
- Chapman’s Peak (Hout Bay)
- Big Bay
- Strand
- Strandfontein
WESSA indicates that pilot beaches are given two seasons to enhance any areas that do not yet comply with the full standards.
WHAT DOES BLUE FLAG STATUS MEAN?
Blue Flag is an international recognition for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
Beaches are evaluated based on strict criteria that include water quality, safety, environmental management, education, and public amenities.
WESSA administers the program in South Africa.
However, the final determination on beach status is made by an international jury.
Blue Flag beaches are also required to undergo ongoing testing by independent, accredited laboratories.
If the water quality exceeds allowable limits, the Blue Flag must be lowered until improvements are made.
WHAT THE CITY SAYS ABOUT ITS BLUE FLAG BEACHES
According to Francine Higham, the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for community services and health, the awards spotlight the efforts undertaken behind the scenes.
“Achieving eight full Blue Flags and four pilot sites highlights the continuous effort that goes into maintaining our beaches and preparing them for the enjoyment of residents and visitors,” she stated.
She also urged beachgoers to assist in keeping the beaches safe, clean, and accessible for everyone.
NEW WHEELCHAIRS FOR BLUE FLAG BEACHES
There is positive news for beach visitors with mobility challenges as well.
The City announced that several beaches, including the majority of its Blue Flag beaches, will have new amphibious wheelchairs this season.
These wheelchairs can traverse the sand and enter the water, making it more convenient for a greater number of people to relish the ocean.
WHAT ABOUT WATER QUALITY?
The quality of water at Cape Town’s beaches has sparked considerable discussion.
Towards the end of last year, Professor Leslie Petrik, an environmental chemist from the University of the Western Cape, indicated that both treated effluent and untreated sewage were infiltrating Cape Town’s marine environment, including near Blue Flag beaches.
The City contests that narrative.
In August, the City claimed that 98.6% of 513 seawater samples gathered close to its marine sewage outfalls from April to June met the water quality criteria.
They stated that coastal water quality around the areas affected by wastewater at Camps Bay, Green Point, and Hout Bay is predominantly stable and safe, though they added that they are “not complacent”.
The City provides public access to its results through a coastal water quality dashboard, allowing you to check conditions before swimming.
Personally, a Blue Flag is always my first consideration when selecting a beach.
It’s a quick indicator that efforts are being made to monitor the water quality, safety, and available facilities.
Now we just need favorable weather.
WHICH CAPE TOWN BLUE FLAG BEACH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
Share your thoughts in the comments below…
