Fish Hoek beach. Photos: City of Cape Town
Melkbosstrand beach has been awarded full Blue Flag status from 1 Dec 2016 – 31 March 2017. The beach referred to is the stretch from the slipway to the bathing area. (The NSRI to 11th Avenue) According to the Media Liaison Officer for the City for Cape Town, Venessa Scholtz, dog-owners don’t need to fret as their four-legged companions can still enjoy the beach.
Scholtz says, “In the case of Melkbosstrand, dogs are allowed on the beach before 9:00 and after 19:00, provided dog owners pick up after their dogs.
Dogs must be on a leash after 19:00.”
Other beaches that have attained Blue Flag status are Clifton 4th Beach, Camps Bay, Llandudno, Fish Hoek, Muizenberg, Strandfontein, Mnandi, Bikini Beach and Silwerstroomstrand.
BLUE FLAG STATUS DURATION
Silwerstroomstrand 15 Dec -15 Jan
Melkbosstrand 1 Dec – 31 Jan
Clifton 4th Beach 1 Dec – 31 Mar
Camps Bay 1 Dec – 31 Mar
Llandudno 1 Dec – 31 Jan
Fish Hoek 1 Dec – 31Jan
Muizenberg 1 Dec – 31 Mar
Strandfontein 1 Dec – 31 Mar
Mnandi 1 Dec – 31 Mar
Bikini Beach 1 Dec – 31Jan
“The City is incredibly proud and honoured to be awarded with 10 Blue Flag beaches and also the pilot beach of Seaforth,” Councillor Albert Ntsodo said on Friday.
Strandfontein beach.
“The Blue Flag is an international accreditation awarded to beaches that display excellence through meeting 33 criteria covering four categories including: environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management and safety and services.
Seaforth beach.
Participation in this international programme is voluntary and the status indicates that the beaches all have their own environmental education programmes, have bathing water of the highest standard, are clean, have adequate ablution facilities and parking, are environmentally sound, are safe and secure to visit, and adhere to international safety and tourism standards.”
