Your go-to beach for the holidays has achieved blue fag status. Nice! But what does it actually mean, and how does it impact your beach vibes?
South Africa (02 December 2025) – The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) is out to educate after the start of the 2025/26 Blue Flag season. Fifty beaches across the country are now flying their blue flags high (find the full list here).
But what does that actually mean? For the public – us beachgoers and coastal communities – it’s important to know what the flag actually represents, and why it matters.
In South Africa, WESSA oversees the Blue Flag programme, which is part of a global network that spans 51 countries. It’s one of the world’s most trusted voluntary eco-labels for beaches, marinas, and boats.
Blue Flag status is only awarded to sites that meet rigorous criteria covering water quality, environmental management, education, safety, and accessibility.
If you’ve got plans to visit a Blue Flag beach soon, WESSA says that there are some important things the public should know.
Blue Flag Status Applies For a Limited Time
During the official Blue Flag season any site that flies the blue flag must comply fully with all international criteria. This runs in peak summer months. Outside of this period, municipalities and operators cannot be held to Blue Flag requirements.
Are Blue Flag Beaches Safe For Swimming?
Yes, but safety is a shared responsibility. Beachgoers should always follow lifeguard instructions, swim between the flags, and respect safety notices. During the official season, Blue Flag beaches must provide:
- Qualified lifeguards on duty
- Clearly marked swimming zones
- Clean and maintained ablutions
- Safety signage and emergency plans
- Regular water quality reporting
Blue Flag Beaches Aren’t Dog-Friendly
In order to maintain hygiene and safety, Blue Flag beaches are actually not dog-friendly during the official season and during designated operating hours, which generally align with the beach’s lifeguard hours.
The restriction helps maintain standards of cleanliness, water quality, visitor safety, and environmental management required by accredited beaches.
Outside of these times or in certain municipally approved designated areas, dogs may be permitted on a leash. Always check local signage or consult the beach operator if you don’t know the rules around paws on the beach.
How Water Quality Is Tested
Water quality at Blue Flag beaches is tested by independent, accredited laboratories following a strict sampling schedule. The tests cover E. coli and Enterococci. Any new beach must submit a minimum of 20 samples before qualifying.
Once Blue Flag status is awarded, beaches must sample at least five times per season; and also at least within 30 days. Most of the beaches where the seasons are shorter are tested at least every two weeks.
If results fall outside the required parameters, the flag is immediately lowered, and the water retested until satisfactory results are recorded. If this takes longer than 10 days, the beach loses its status for the rest of its season.
More Inclusivity Across Blue Flag Sites
WESSA is working to strengthen inclusivity across Blue Flag sites by enforcing that municipalities must have one ‘access beach’ in upcoming seasons. Municipalities are being supported to improve practical accessibility features with appropriate ramps, pathways, signage, beach mobility options, and infrastructure.
Currently, a total of six access beaches have already been declared across SA and more are expected to follow in upcoming seasons.
Find Your Nearest Blue Flag Beach
There’s a nifty online interactive map updated throughout the season that lists all accredited beaches, marinas, and boats across South Africa. Make use of it!
Sources: Supplied
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