Pennington beach re-awarded Blue Flag status
While 50 beaches were awarded Blue Flag status, Pennington was the only beach to receive this title under Umdoni Municipality.
The Pennington community is exceptionally proud of its beach bringing home full Blue Flag status once again.
This announcement was made at the 2025/26 Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards Ceremony held at the Royal St Alfred Hotel, co-hosted by Ndlambe Municipality, last week.
Fifty beaches were awarded Blue Flag status with Pennington being the only beach to receive this title under the Umdoni jurisdiction.
Lifeguards are present at the beach daily, water testing is done regularly, the safety and security factor is in check with visible police patrols daily and full time staff are available to keep the beach and facilities clean at all times.
Twenty beaches were named Blue Flag pilot sites, local beaches including Rocky Bay, Preston, Mtwalume and Scottburgh.
A Blue Flag pilot beach is a site that is in the process of working towards full Blue Flag accreditation.
It operates under the same principles and criteria as a certified Blue Flag beach, covering environmental education, water quality, environmental management, safety, and services.
Pilot beaches have two seasons to focus on improving certain areas to meet all international standards.
The pilot status allows municipalities and local managers to gain experience with the programme, strengthen compliance, and showcase their commitment to sustainable beach management before applying for full Blue Flag status in a later season.
Since 2001, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) has operated the Blue Flag programme in South Africa on behalf of the global Foundation for Environmental Education.
Supported by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the programme connects municipalities, tourism establishments/organisations and volunteers to maintain world-class standards in environmental management, safety and education.
“Our Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are more than symbols; they’re a promise,” said Cindy-Lee Cloete, Wessa CEO.
“Each flag represents an embodiment of South Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”
This year, five beaches were also honoured for their long-term dedication to coastal excellence. This included Hibberdene beach with 10 years. Others were Witsand and Umzumbe beach with 15 years each; and Kelly’s beach and Lappiesbaai with 20 years each.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
