Ten Cape Town beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status for the upcoming summer season.
Blue Flag is an international accreditation awarded to beaches that display excellence through meeting 33 criteria covering four categories: environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.
Bikini Beach in Gordons Bay, Camps Bay, Clifton Fourth Beach, Fish Hoek, Llandudno, Melkbosstrand, Mnandi, Muizenberg, Silwerstroomstrand and Strandfontein ticked the boxes and were awarded Blue Flag Status.
Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Dr Zahid Badroodien, said: “The Blue Flag beaches are geographically well positioned around the metropole, from Silwerstroomstrand in the north, beaches on the Atlantic Seaboard, to the secluded little Bikini Beach next to the Gordons Bay Harbour in the South. These beaches are visited by thousands of residents and tourists every year and the City is making sure that they are of a high standard.”
Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to prioritise safety when visiting beaches.
– Make sure you know how to swim before swimming in the sea.
– Swim between the red and yellow flags, as these areas are patrolled by lifeguards.
– Identify an easy-to-find place where you can meet if anyone gets lost or separated.
–Â Stay hydrated.Â
 Don’t drink alcohol before you swim as it impairs your judgement.
 Don’t dive into unfamiliar water as there may be rocks or other dangers.