Blue Flag status awarded to 8 Cape Town beaches for upcoming summer season

Eight Cape Town beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status for the 2025/26 season.

The accreditation, which includes an international adjudication process, is facilitated by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA).

In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

Its Recreation and Parks Department 'received the good news that eight of its beaches have qualified once again to fly the flag of excellence' on Friday, said the City of Cape Town.

This is amid an ongoingdebate about water quality at local beaches, with scientists saying they've been presenting evidence of sewage pollution in rivers and coastal zones for several years.

RELATED: Researchers say CoCT refusing to engage with their evidence showing CT's rivers, beaches polluted with sewage

The annual Blue Flag Awards ceremony took place in Port Alfred on 31 October.

The following City beaches were awarded Blue Flag status:

• Bikini Beach
• Camps Bay
• Clifton 4th
• Fish Hoek
• Llandudno
• Melkbosstrand
• Muizenberg
• Silwerstroomstrand

Not only do Blue Flags ensure a high standard of services, but the City also puts a high premium on beach safety, especially during the busy festive season, said Francine Higham, Mayco Member for Community Services and Health.

"Our lifeguards will be on duty and we would like to request beachgoers to please adhere to the safety rules", she said.

The Blue Flag season officially opens on 1 December 2025 until 28 February 2026 at all accredited beaches.

The City says its Recreation and Parks Department will work closely with other departments to ensure continued compliance with Blue Flag standards.