Bournemouth Beach has retained its coveted Blue Flag status for the year 2024, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s outstanding coastal resorts. This prestigious international award recognizes the beach’s exceptional water quality, environmental management, and commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
What is the Blue Flag Award?
The Blue Flag is an eco-label awarded to well-managed beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria in four categories: environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the local authorities, businesses, and organizations that have collaborated to maintain Bournemouth Beach’s high standards.
Bournemouth Beach’s Blue Flag Credentials
To maintain its Blue Flag status, Bournemouth Beach must satisfy 33 individual targets across the four categories. This includes:
- Environmental Education and Information:
- Providing comprehensive information about the beach and its environmental features
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Promoting environmental education and awareness programs
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Water Quality:
- Ensuring excellent water quality that meets strict EU standards
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Regularly monitoring and testing the water to maintain high standards
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Environmental Management:
- Implementing effective waste management and recycling systems
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Protecting the natural environment and biodiversity of the beach
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Safety and Services:
- Providing lifeguard services and first aid facilities
- Maintaining clean and well-equipped facilities, such as toilets and showers
The Cost of Maintaining Blue Flag Status
Maintaining Bournemouth Beach’s Blue Flag status is no small feat. The local council spends over £2.2 million annually on beach cleansing, waste disposal, toilets, and seafront issues. This investment ensures that the beach remains clean, safe, and well-maintained for the millions of visitors it attracts each year.
Collaborative Efforts to Secure the Blue Flag
The Blue Flag award for Bournemouth Beach is made possible through the generous support of local businesses and organizations. These include:
- Bournemouth Coastal Business Improvement District (BID)
- Bournemouth Town Centre BID
- Poole BID
- Christchurch BID
- Fired Up Collective
- SOBO Beach
- The Beach House, FJB Group
- Rockwater
- Noisy Lobster
- Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council
These stakeholders have collectively funded the Blue Flag application, which costs a total of £14,085.
Beaches Benefiting from Blue Flag Status
In addition to Bournemouth Beach, several other beaches in the area have also received the prestigious Blue Flag award for 2024. These include:
- Alum Chine
- Durley Chine
- Fisherman’s Walk
- Southbourne
- Sandbanks
- Shore Road
- Canford Cliffs
- Branksome Chine
- Manor Steps
- Avon Beach
- Highcliffe
- Friar’s Cliff
These beaches have maintained their Blue Flag status for an impressive 37 years, as long as the awards have been running.
Ensuring Beach Safety
Bournemouth Beach’s Blue Flag status is not just about environmental management and water quality. The local council also collaborates with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to ensure the safety of visitors. Beachgoers are encouraged to follow the RNLI’s safety messages, such as swimming between the red and yellow flags and never swimming alone.
Conclusion
Bournemouth Beach’s Blue Flag status is a testament to the ongoing commitment and investment in maintaining the highest standards of coastal management and environmental protection. This prestigious award attracts millions of visitors to the area each year, solidifying Bournemouth’s reputation as a world-class coastal destination. The collaborative efforts of local authorities, businesses, and organizations have been instrumental in securing and maintaining this coveted accolade, ensuring that Bournemouth Beach remains a shining example of sustainable and responsible tourism.
References:
– Bournemouth Beaches Retain Blue Flag Status
– Bournemouth Beaches Guide
– Beach Awards